A citizen’s group premised on tough action for violent crime has endorsed 18 candidates across party lines for the May 12 vote.
The list pushes 11 BC Liberals hopefuls but isn’t a sweeping endorsement of the ruling party. Enough is Enough sent a crime-themed survey to all Lower Mainland contenders and used the results to make its decision.
"We encourage all voters who are concerned about crime to vote for these candidates next Tuesday," spokesperson Keith Roy said in a press release.
High profile Liberals running with the group’s blessing include housing minister Rich Coleman, transportation minister Kevin Falcon and former West Vancouver Police Chief Kash Heed.
But attorney-general Wally Oppal didn’t make the grade. The group urged voters to support his Independent challenger for Delta South, Vicki Huntington.
"She is the best choice to defeat the Attorney General who cut prosecutors in the middle of a gang war," Enough is Enough argues, referring to cost-saving measures in the February budget.
Two candidates each from the New Democratic Party, the Green Party and the Conservative Party round out the list.
Enough is Enough recently gave sub par grades to Gordon Campbell’s and Carole James’ crime strategies. The group appears to think the answer to Metro Vancouver’s gangland troubles lies in tougher sentencing and 900 more police officers for the region.
In February, former Supreme Court Judge Oppal argued harsh sentences don’t deter criminals.
Geoff Dembicki reports for The Tyee
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