FRIDAY March 22, 1996 doubts NORTH SHORE News surveys conducted in September and this month indicate that a new NDP leader has not made much difference to local voters. By Anna Marie D’Angelo News Reporter In September, 7.3% of residents surveyed said they would vote NDP. Six months later, the number is up slightly to 9.5%. The surveys were conducted before and after Premier Mike Harcourt stepped down in the wake of a char- ity bingo scandal. Cabinet minister Glen Clark was chosen leader between the sur- vey periods. Controversial changes at the NDP helm did not help Liberal popu- larity on the North Shore, according to the telephone survey. ‘In September, 23.5% of people surveyed said they would vote Liberal; six months later that number is 23.9%. Both surveys show that most people remain undecid- In September, 49% of people sur- veyed said they didn’t know who to vote for. With a provincia! election expected to be called within five weeks, this month’s “don’t know” response went up to 56% of people surveyed. “It makes me want to get back into politics and run for the don’t know party,” quipped Independent MLA David Mitchell, who is not seeking re- election in West Vancouver Garibaldi. Mitchell said the percentage of “don't knows” usually gets lower clos- er to an election. “The fact that the undecided are more than 50% is extraordinary by any measure,” said Mitchell. “While that is normally not good for an incumbent government, that has MLA DAVID Mitchell not running. See MLAs page 3 Weather Saturday & Sunday: Sunny High 12°C, low 2°C. NEWS photo Mike Wakefield WEST VANCOUVER firefighters battled the smoke and flames from two suspicious fires on Clyde Avenue on Wednesday. 64-year-oid man in critical condition with burn injuries TWO FAMILY members were in hes- pital Thursday suffering from injuries sustained in a suspicious fire that rav- aged a West Vancouver home and business on Wednesday. By lan Noble News Reporter Firefighters estimate the fire caused more than $100,000 damage to Bijan Specialty Foods at 1451 Clyde Ave. and a townhome located above and to the left of the one-storey business. West Vancouver Police Detective Dave Bingham said the food store is owned by Manoucher and Tahereh Jiany, who lived in the torched townhome along with their 21-year-old daughter Manijeh. Neighbor Anita McGee said she was getting ready for work when the mother living at the townhome next door banged on the door and asked for help. “She was saying help, iy daughter, my daughter, and my father went running out the door,” said McGee. who added that the woman had bload on her. McGee's father could not enter the smoky NEWS phcto ike Wakettaid A HOT fireman drinks during the hour- long battle fighting the 7:42 a.m. blaze. fownhome through the locked door so he jumped over the bales iy and entered, said McGee. Meanwhile, she called 9-1-1. Inside, said MeGee, her father found the 64- year-old Manoucher engulfed in flames fram the waist up. He threw a rug over Manoucher, putting out the fire, and then dragged him out of the home and to the balcony. McGee's father tried to go back in the home lo save Manijeh, but couldn't due to the smoke. “When [ came out you could see the fire because it was coming through the roof, It was pretty darn quick.” said McGee. West Vancouver fire prevention Captain Aime Lehouillier said firefighters battled through smoke to regch Manijeh. She was found unconscious from smoke inhalation in the upstairs bathroom of the two-storey town- home. Firefighters revived the 21-year-old woman after dragging her out of the buming building and to a balcony. said Lehouillies. Manoucher suffered burns to the face, arm, back and his front. He was taken to Lions Gate Hospital and then transferred to Vancouver Hospital, where he was listed Thursday in critical condition, Manijeh remains in Lions Gate Hospital in stable condition. McGee's father and Taherch were taken to Lions Gate and released. Lehouillier said investigators believe two separate fires occurred — one in the business below and one in the townhome. Bingham said police are looking at some- thing more than an arson, but would only say “very serious charges” are being considered. The investigation is ongoing, He said Taherch suffered from head injuries, lacerations, bruises and bumps that vecurred before the fires. A firefighter who injured his hand was taken to hospital and released.