CANDIDATES QUIZZED ON POT

Not being invited to the table didn't stop Shuswap Marijuana Party
candidate Chris Emery from taking part in the all-candidates forum
held last week in Salmon Arm.

Laughter erupted among the audience when Emery, who had been in the
long line of residents waiting to question the candidates seated on
the SASCU Recreation Centre auditorium stage, finally made it up to
the microphone.

Emery introduced himself as the Marijuana Party candidate, noting his
invitation to be seated onstage with Liberal candidate George Abbott,
NDP candidate Steve Gunner, Green candidate Dr. Michel Saab and
Conservative candidate Beryl Ludwig, at the Salmon Arm chamber
sponsored event had somehow been misplaced.

To the seated candidates Emery asked what their position is on the
continuing prohibition on cannabis and how long they would let the
province's number-one industry operate tax free.

Abbott said Emery's presence at the table was missed, and added the
question is important and deserving of debate, though he apologized
for having a lack of knowledge on the matter.

Saab said it was a question worthy of exploration, but with a
rational mind. He noted he's spent many nights sewing up people who
have been involved in car accidents because they were drinking, never
because they were using marijuana.

Ludwig said she'd been told marijuana is a gateway drug, and she did
not want to go in that direction.

Gunner said he doesn't normally speak on the issue, but suggested the
prohibition may have something to do with the violence in the Lower Mainland.

"I think the gang wars on the coast, they're certainly not caused by
disagreements in their musical tastes," said Gunner.

After the forum, Emery reiterated that he'd never received an invitation.

"The irony is, I stepped down after two terms as president of the
South Shuswap chamber to pave the way to run," said Emery.

Salmon Arm chamber manager Corryn Grayston was apologetic, saying she
did not know until that day that Emery was running.