I am saddened by the news that the Conservative and NDP candidates have pulled out of debates in Saanich South and I see no good reason for it. Surely the voters of Saanich South have a right to listen to the candidates' ideas, arguments, and aspirations so that they can build a connection with them and know exactly who they are voting for.
Without some sort of forum, the election process is reduced to a mere exercise in marketing, advertising, and sound bites, which favour incumbents and those with the deepest pockets. The voters also lose that all-important local flavour as the election becomes leader biased.
Debates can get very heated and tempers can get frayed, but if it is well managed it represents democracy at its finest.
Graham Lilly
Saanich
