MLA Lake in the Crosshairs

(Aired on August 11, 2010)

This is a pre-taped segment, so as much as I'd love to comment on the decision of elections BC with regards to the anti-HST petition, it's impossible.  The petition organizers seemed to make every effort to ensure that the petition would be valid.  And say what you want about the leaders of the campaign, but they aren't quacks or political neophytes.  They should know the process and what is required.

Having said that, it is entirely bizarre to me how this entire process has put one man in the crosshairs.  If the petition moves to the next stage, that will involve the parliamentary committee chaired by Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake.  The government will need to take the initiative seriously, and that committee will be tasked with determining how that's done.

But then there is the prospect of province-wide recall campaigns for MLAs.  If that is what the anti-HST organizers are up to next, the first MLA they target will no doubt be - drumroll please - Terry Lake.  Why?  Because not only did Lake win a close election in a riding that has plenty of NDP support, but he is a rookie at the provincial level.  Whatever happens, the man is going to be under pressure.

Lake has a sharp mind, and occasionally an even sharper tongue that can get him into trouble.  But he will be prepared for whatever happens, as he is someone with good political instincts and a lot of fight in him.  The only thing he shouldn't do is underestimate the fight in the anti-HST crowd.