Cab ride encounter turns ugly

3

NEWS photo Mike Wakefield

SUNSHINE CABS driver Jerry Ailan checks out the shattered windshield that left this cab out of service for about two
days. The windshield was smashed last week at Lonsdale Quay after one of seven people who wanted to rida in the taxi
got mad at the cab's driver for entorcing the maximum five-passenger law.

FORMER WEST Vancouver-Garibaldi
MLA David Mitchell's long-term future
ix once again uncertain.

_ By lan Noble
News Reporter

“Reached in Calgary on Friday after he heard
that his appointnient as acting conflict-of-inter-
est commissioner: had heen rescinded by
Premier Glen Clark, Mitchell said fe would be

_ concentrating on winding down his constituen-
ey office and legislative office in. Victoria over
the next few months.

“Beyond that, Mitchell said he's not sure
what he will do. But he added he had’ been

addressing other plans since he announced on

Feb, 8 that he would not seek re-election.

Does Mitchell want to be considered again
for Ted Hughes’ job of conflict-uf- interest com-
missioner? ‘

“Et think it's casy to understand dnt the
“revents of this week have forced me to re-evalu-
ate whether or not the institution of Parliamen
needs the strain thar my nomination would have
on the job.” hy said.

Mitebell added he told Hughes that he did
not wish to cause any further controversy to Ue

office “because the offige and the institution of

Premier's flip-flop
costs W. Van MLA
commissioner's post

Parliament are more important than any indi-
vidual.”

Hughes was reappointed by an apologetic

Clark until May 23. The legislature will ratify a
new commissioner after Hughes’ departure.
. Opposinon members, especially Liberals,
fought Mitchell’s appointment to the impartial
post. They cited his record as an outspoken
ML.A while in the legislature and cast doubt on
Mitchell's ability to remain neutral. "

Mitchell, however, insisted he could be a
good, impartial conflict-of-interest .commis-
stoner,

Mitchell asked Clark to. remove him from
the conmnissioner’s chair ‘Thursday after
Hughes complained intervention from the pre-
iniee’s office had forced him front the post.

Mitchell said he’s not pleased iwith what
appears to be miscommunication and misunder-
standing in dealing with his appointment
had to do this over again, £ believe everyone
would want to do things differently." :
However, Mitchell said some good may

‘IMwe

come from his ordeal. The independence of the
commissioner's office has been reasserted and
the succession process for commissioners will
receive more careful consideration in the future.

Meanwhile Liberal West Vancouver-
Capilano MLA Jeremy Dalton said it’s unfair
West Vancouver-Garibaldi should be without
representation in Victoria unti) an election.

With his resignation, Mitchell cannot return
to being the provincial representative, said
Dalton. He said Section 35 of the Election Act
states once a resignation has been tendered, it is
final.

“Why should West Vancouver-Garibaldi go

without an MLA until an election,” asked

Dalton. “That's unsatisfactory,

“No one — Glen Clark and David Mitchell
included — thought this one through,” he said.

But Mitchell said he hasn't left his con-
stituents in the lurch. His constituency office
will remain open for the next month or two “so
my constituents will continue tu be served for at
least a couple more months.” said Mitchell.

Mitchell called a byelection for the riding
redundant. The NDP government, whict has six
months to call a byelection, is expected to call
an election this spring, he said.
i Mitchell said he will address the question of
whether he can reassume his MELA’s seat when
he returns te Victoria next week.

Weather

Monday: Rain and windy,
High 12°C, tow 4°C.

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