The view from the DRIVING AROUND the North Shore during this election campaign, reading the signs, it has been fun trying to con- template which of the candidates might have the most profound effects on the British Columbia Legislature. We were not surprised to see John Reynolds snuggling close to Premier Joknston during her re- cent visit to Lonsdale Quay, while all the other Socred candidates were resigned to the backseat. Just weeks ago he was cheek- to-cheek with Grace McCarthy every time a camera pointed in her direction. He is steadfastly loyal to any camera. But Reynolds is a known com- modity. The most solid candidate from this area — and arguably the best — is also well-known: Marilyn Baker. But let’s drift to the west a bit. ‘West Vancouver-Garibaldi is Gary Bannerman wonderful for weary cynics like _. f this observer. We need a lift to maintain interest. Y’ve developed serious reserva- tions about Dr. Rodsey Giynr- Mortis. We have cruise ships and many P&O (Princess Cruises) friends in common. When I tell the gang aboard ship all about the Socred Party of B.C. and then advise that he turned down a cool $125,C™ to escape the carnival, they’ li sead get-well cards by return post. Rodney is quite a charming chap, but can we now trust him to make sound financial decisions? His New Democratic opponent is longtime Squamish alderman Brian Giles, a sometimes realtor and a former professional astrologer. That’s right folks. Step right up. Mr. Giles was my oper- line show guest many times, reading the stars. His astrological forecasts were unfailingly accurate about everything but politics. He would frequently tell the audience: “‘My heart tends to cloud my judgment when it comes Unwind..‘Take a Muffin Break and save durin: our ¥ price b OPEN LINES to B.C. politics.’’ He sincerely believed the NDP was the better deal for B.C., and he could never quite wiestle the bias out of his comments. But he was honest with the audience. And usually wrong in the provin- cial predictions. He has been a good businessman in Squamish and a conscientious civic politician. Brian Giles would be a fascinating addition to any legislature. Perhaps the most impressive coup by any party in the recruit- ment of new blood this election time is the choice of David Mit- chell for West Vancouver - Garibaldi by the B.C. Liberal party. Mitchell, the biographer of W.A.C. Beanett and the author of a book about Bill Vander Zalm’s tise to power, recently stepped down as an executive with Westar. He is a frequent media commen- tator about political activity. Mitchell will draw the atrention e sale October 7th-12th, 1991 “ Right now, ail our delicious, fresh-baked goods are ¥% price! So you can enjoy our variety of over 15 different muffins, cakes and cookies all at % price. There's no GST at Muffin Break when you purchase six (6) or more items. And that's a ni ice break for your budget! NORTH VANCOUVER LOCATIONS 1764 Lonsdale Ave. 1307 Marine Drive Park & Til ford Centre of political heavyweights across the country and, most notably, the next Libera’ Prime Minister of Canada, Paul !Aartin, Jr. (I use tea leaves instead of astrology.) Do you think Mitchell, or any of these other worthies from the North Shore would have the most impact on the B.C. Legislature? Wrong. Marilyn Baker’s opponent is the one to watch. eeo Like all individuals who are ex- ceptionally bright, Dr. David Schreck’s impatience and lightniug quick mind have often been the source of his undcing. He has frequently charged into battle, emboldened by a great theory, without first explaining the con- cept and conditioning his troops for the conflict. The young economist was the architect of Minister Norm Levy’s Community Resources Boards during the Dave Barrett ycars. The theory was superb: every group, agency or neighborhood would have a say in the governing of a community: democracy in ac- tion. It disintegrated quickly into a needless new level of government clamoring for funds and sataries. They scandalously became well- financed training schools for the NDP. Yet Schreck had been an effec- tive administrator. For yezrs he ran CU&C Health Services, de- Sunday, October 6, 1991 — North Shore News - 9 junkyard’ veloping this trade union and credit-union-backed agency to rival the private sector's favorite: MSA. In this theatre as well, David Schreck boldy put theory into ac- tion with the establishment of clinics run by salaried doctors. He was convinced that he could substantially cut health care costs through efficient clinical ad- ministration. The B.C. Medical Association declared war on his experiment. Ultimately, the clinic proved the point, but it failed as a new ap- proach to medical care. Dr. Schreck has mellowed. He has demonstrated managerial competence. His impact on the B.C. Legislature would be pro- found. eeo Finally, a word this week about Premier Rita Johnston. Her humer, determination and just plain spunk has been the most vivid imagery of the election to this point in time. The misadventures have been totally beyond her control. In a conversation this week, she told me she has great confidence iv her election team. T hope she was merely being polite. The part of the campaign just beyond her reach has been an’ unprecedented disaster. We need not dwell upon the court charges against MLAs, the Nazi sympathizer, the ominous threats of dirty politics, the alleg- ed bribe of a candidate and the ineffective daily agenda. Everyone seems to be laughing about it, including the leader. Through this debris, we see the lady known now as ‘“‘Premier Mom”’ holding her head high and promising a solid government. There are few inspirational ideas. Yet Mrs. Johnston has never done a poor job at anything she has ever tackled: teenaged bride, mother, credit union rnanager, trailer park owner, alderman, minister and custodial premier. Unfortunately, she is standing in front of a junkyard. This week, I informed her that I have yet to talk to one profes- sional observer who thinks she can win this election. The reply: ‘‘You are talking to one now.”’ Next week, 20 years with Mike Hoarcowrt. | A Place To Go When You're Pregnant And Need Support: | GIRTHRIGHT | ral $87-7313 » Free Pregnancy Test « | i 229 Lonsdale in Vancouver Call I Worth Vancouver 687-7223 ; IN WEST VANCOUVER * CAPILANO ELECT A MAN WHO KNOWS THE MEANING OF HARD WORK John Reynolds deserves his reputation as one of BC's hardest working MLAs. As Speaker of the House On October 17 RE-ELECT SOCIAL CREDIT — world we live in, plus, that most important commodity for an elected politician - the integrity debt down, John has helped make more money available for the taxpayers who have provided i it, Campaign Office #103 - 657 Marine Drive, West Vancouver, B.C. V7T 1A4 Telephone: (604) 922-4232 Fax: (604) 922-4090