Kevin Falcon wants top job

CLOVERDALE (NEWS1130) – In the packed foyer of the Surrey Museum, the now former BC Minister of Health made his plans clear.  Kevin Falcon announced he is in the race for the top job in the provincial Liberal party.

His polished presentation came equipped with merchandise: grey toques embroidered with the slogan ‘A new generation of leadership.’

Falcon’s take on the HST

Falcon wasted no time getting right down to business and the Harmonized Sales Tax.  “As premier, I would respect the will of the people.  But I would also move up the date of the HST referendum to reduce uncertainty.  George Abbott has suggested June 24th and I think that is a good idea.”

He says he would scrap the 12 per cent tax if that’s what people want, but he believes in the levy and isn’t convinced it’s really understood. Falcon is also suggesting a cut in the HST to 10 per cent if it survives a referendum and if the province can afford it.

His leadership rival, George Abbott, supports moving up the date of the referendum, but is concerned about an HST cut.  “The cost to the treasury would be well over $600 million, for each point that one reduced the HST,” he says, adding it would also kill any prospect for a personal income tax cut.

Falcon is the third Liberal to set his sights on Gordon Campbell‘s job.  He joins MLAs Moira Stilwell and George Abbott.  Attorney General Mike de Jong is expected to make a similar announcement Wednesday.

Young Liberals already decide who to support

Falcon sounds like he wants to carve out a fresh vision of himself as he runs for the Liberal leadership. But if the 47-year old former minister is looking for the youth vote, he has some competition from George Abbott.

The BC Young Liberals are endorsing Abbott.  “George brings a collaborative approach. He’s always talked to people, and he’s always willing to listen then make decisive decisions. I think that’s what a lot of youth are looking for,” says Geoff Sharpe with the U-Vic Young Liberals.

For his part, the 58-year old Abbott says he is young, fit and ready to lead.

Support for Christy Clark

Radio talkshow host Christy Clark has yet to declare her intentions, but she already has a significant lead over some other possible contenders for the job of Liberal leader, according to one poll.  She has 40 per cent support.

Kevin Falcon comes in second with 25 per cent.  Attorney General Mike De Jong is in third, followed by Blair Lekstrom who has already said he won’t be running.

George Abbott and Solicitor General Rich Coleman are in fifth and sixth spots, respectively.

The Vancouver Sun reports the poll was done by Clark’s supporters.

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