Local anti-HST petitioners are turning their sights on West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Joan McIntyre, but it remains to be seen whether she'll be among the first three MLAs to be targetted for a recall campaign set for Nov. 15.
Launching what he calls the "MLA Survivor Recall - Vote them off the Island" campaign, lead anti-HST organizer Bill Vander Zalm announced today that 18 ridings have committed to competing to see which three MLAs will be recalled first.
"We had so much interest from so many constituencies, we decided this would be the fairest way to determine who gets to go first," stated Vander Zalm in a press release.
"It will also help gauge interest in each riding and build an army of volunteers to ensure success."
On the list is McIntyre, who was elected to her riding in 2005 and reelected in 2009. Lead anti-HST campaigner for the riding Kelly Carson said she was relieved to see McIntyre on the list since at first, it seemed strong Liberal Party in the riding would exonerate her from a recall campaign.
"So many people came forward and said 'Hey, we want ours gone too,'" said Carson. "I think these MLAs thought they were pretty safe but none of them are safe."
Now it's up to McIntyre's opponents to drum up support.
"We need to have enough canvassers that when a recall process begins we can get out there to every door," said Carson. "As long as we have 150 to 250 [canvassers] we will be able to recall Joan McIntyre."
With files from Meagan Robertson
