Dear Editor,
I want to express my deep concern for democracy in the riding of Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke. The facts of the matter are laid out in a letter from the Riverview Senior Social Club circulating around the province this morning.
Once again our incumbent MP has put this riding in the national news for all the wrong reasons. Since May the good folks from the Beachburg area have worked hard organizing an All-Candidates meeting.
The date of October 9 was established five months ago, a hall arranged, a sound system rented, and refreshments ordered. As candidates were declared they were invited to attend.
In Renfrew County we respect hard work. I committed to the Oct. 9th meeting along with all the other candidates except the incumbent. To quote from the letter, “Repeated attempts to get a commitment from Ms. Gallant were rebuffed.”
The hard work and the democratic process of hearing from all candidates was laid to waste by our local MP’s refusal to respond to her invitation to this well organized and widely advertised event.
Unfortunately, the organizers felt obliged to cancel the event. In Renfrew County you honour your word. I will honour my word and be in Westmeath on the evening of Oct. 9 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss important issues facing the people of this riding such as this spring’s flooding.
The location and format will be communicated shortly in consultation with other candidates. This election is about electing a representative that will bring respect back to the office of Member of Parliament for Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke.
Ruben Marini, Liberal Candidate, Renfrew-Nipissing-Pembroke
