What a waste of time. That one guy and his sidekick are in till they decide to retire.

A vote for Harris/Hill is a vote for Harper and that is just scary. He is dishonest (let me count the ways) and American-minded—not my idea of Canada or Prince George. Yes, a fresh start is better than the same old.

Here’s my top ten reasons for being afraid of a Harper Conservative government: 1. The duplicity over the timing of the election and the disregard for his own laws 2. His American-style attack ads and lack any real substance in the campaign 3. His reliance on (empty, unconvincing) image and absolute control over his MP’s and the media 4. His emphasis on aggressive militarism versus Canada’s traditional peacekeeping role 5. His disdain for arts and culture (unless it involves a final score and intermissions) 6. His American-style (again), harsh, and ineffective approach to crime and fear-mongering about crime 7. His catering to corporate interest (look what that has done in the states) 8. His lack of support for public institutions (healthcare, child care, welfare, transportation, energy)—privatization means people lose, corporations win 9. The continual lack of respect showed by Harper’s MP’s (a clear reflection on his governing style) and 10. His token and lame approach to environmental action. So there it is--my opinion and reasons why I am advocating for a change in the Prince George ridings.

Yeah well, if the other parties would run some viable candidates in Harris' and Hill's ridings, maybe I would look at voting for them.

Candidates meeting eh? Just like in the past. No one is allowed to ask their favourite candidate any questions directly. You put yer name in a hat. You put yer questions in a different hat. The Chamber of Commerce "selects" questions to be asked. Fer instance , an election or two ago, the question was put to a municipal candidate as what were their feelings toward Global Warming? What a stupid question to ask a municipal candidate who has no power to change anything regarding GW. Maybe the Chamber of Commerce can ask/demand that the questions be short. Which they did last time. But did not tell the candidates to keep their answers short also. Long winded answers mean more time fer more questions. It is a dog and pony show. Trust me.

Democracy can be a very frustrating experience. No wonder some countries are not too grateful when we try to export it to them, especially if we do it by force. They prefer the system they have and don't want change.

"No one is allowed to ask their favourite candidate any questions directly." That is not very democratic, I would venture to say. Perhaps I will just stay home...and have a beer.

If candidates were asked questions probably lasting hours it would become akin to being at yer kids piano recital. After yer kid has played his/her sonata ya hit the road because you don't care about any other persons kid.Pretty soon it becomes a sparse audience. Same with your interests pertaining to any said candidate.

If the questions are first *pre-screened* for *suitability* and/or *comfort level* how can one ask a question which is in one's personal opinion perfectly proper and legitimate but does not pass the muster of the handlers or the candidate?

Time limits can be set per stop watch for each questioner's question and candidate's answer.

I have been to forums and nobody ever asked a question which took an hour to ask and another hour to answer.

IMO it's not worth the time and effort to attend. If this forum follows the past ones, questions will be screened and directed to the candidates the Chamber chooses. Waste of time. Mainstream press not much better.