IPE INSIDER | Trials Stars captivate crowd with bike tricks, stunts and other two-wheeled displays [A7]
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Friday, August 31, 2012
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CLOWNING AROUND LISA VANDERVELDE/ MORNING STAR
Uncle Chris the Clown performs a magic trick on the Kids World stage at the Interior Provincial Exhibition Wednesday. See more photos on A3 and online.
RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star Staff
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Abbott calling it quits RICHARD ROLKE
research. Abbott, who was in civic politics before George Abbott flatly denies he’s aban- becoming MLA, says retirement was an doning a government in trouble. easy decision. The Shuswap MLA’s decision not to run “The last time I woke up not being in in the May 2013 election comes public office, I was 26 years old. as the Liberals lag behind the That’s a long time ago,” he said, NDP opposition in the polls. adding that his departure allows “It didn’t play a role at all,” for renewal in the constituency said Abbott, who was first and the party. elected in 1996. Premier Christy Clark will shuf“The standing in the polls fle her cabinet next week to focus was irrelevant to my personal on individuals seeking re-election future.” and Abbott won’t be education And Abbott insists the gov- George Abbott minister. ernment can remain in power “I loved education. I arrived next year. when there was a lot of policy “Given the formidable campaigner she work needing to be done, and I believe I is, Premier Clark has a tremendous oppor- brought skills to the table that allowed a lot tunity to turn this around,” he said. of that work to be done,” he said. Abbott reached a conclusion about his Abbott has also served in the aboriginal future during August. relations, health, community services and “The time is right to focus on other sustainable resource management portinterests in my life,” said Abbott, adding folios. that his first project will be working with a “His keen intellect and sharp wit around British professor on educational issues. the cabinet table and in caucus will be The former Okanagan College instruc- greatly missed,” said Clark. tor may also do some guest teaching and Abbott placed third in last year’s camMorning Star Staff
paign to replace Gordon Campbell as Liberal leader. Steve Gunner, the NDP’s Shuswap candidate, says Abbott deserves credit for representing constituents and his handling of educational matters. “George has done the best he can with what he was given. He was a good man in a difficult portfolio,” said Gunner, who believes Abbott’s departure creates opportunities in Shuswap. “There’s an appetite for change. The free-enterprise doctrine is not working for everyone in the province.” Other Liberals retiring this week are Kevin Falcon, John Les and Mary McNeil. Eric Foster, Vernon-Monashee MLA, denies the departures mean the Liberals are floundering. “It’s our job to make sure people know this isn’t the case. The ship isn’t sinking,” he said. Foster, who will seek a second term, is confident about the Liberals’ prospects. “If we get the message out there about being the free-enterprise st alternative and people wanting to see business prosper, we are then the team to support,” he said.
Aug 31
VERNON TOYOTA
Elite athletes could put Vernon on the map. Vernon is among a number of communities that have been invited to bid for Ironman Canada. “We are looking for a new home for Ironman Canada,” said Steve Meckfessel, with the Tampa, Fla.-based World Triathlon Corporation, owner of the event. “There’s a home for it ideally in Western Canada.” Ironman has been in Penticton for 30 years but the South Okanagan community is entering into a new relationship with Challenge Family next year. That has led to a search for a new Ironman host. “Vernon kept popping up on the shortlist as well as did Kelowna, Vancouver, Victoria and Whistler,” said Meckfessel. Among the criteria that will be considered in selecting a community is the resources and facilities required to host a major event (Penticton had 2,700 participants this year). “We’re looking for a community that wants us and wants a long-term relationship,” said Meckfessel. “There’s a lot of interest from athletes to preregister for next year.” Interested communities must submit bids by Sept. 24 and an announcement will be made in mid-October. Vernon council is expected to make a decision on a bid package Sept. 10. “There is a lot of information to still be considered,” said Mayor Rob Sawatzky. “Definitely there are some positives but definitely there will be negatives and responsibilities. We don’t want to miss out on a good opportunity but we want to do our homework.” City staff are currently doing some research. “It’s an iconic event and internationally known. But what are the costs involved and the capacity of the community to host it well?” said Michelle Jefferson, tourism manager. Areas to be considered are pulling together and accommodations for the athletes plus their family and support team. The city would also need a budget for the event. “The host community is responsible for quite a bit,” said Jefferson. Jefferson isn’t sure if Vernon could host Ironmanst in conjunction with Kelowna. “We want to talk to other communities that may be interested,” she said.
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