NDP shields Wiebe, as Lib and Tory Concordia candidates accept interview requests

The Concordia by-election next week has been a low-key affair, and the voting public welcomes any opportunity to evaluate the candidates. But the NDP did not learn from last years' Elmwood campaign. Or maybe they did.

Last year, once we got through to him directly, candidate Bill Blaikie was more than happy to sit down for a pre-recorded interview with us, and address issues for the many listeners in East Winnipeg who were eligible to vote. He gave as good as he got in a 22 minute classic that remains one of our most popular interviews. He even said he enjoyed it.

But when we asked for the same consideration from Matt Wiebe, seeking to succeed former Premier Gary Doer as MLA for the area, we got every excuse in the book.

Too busy.
Knocking on doors.
Shaking hands.
Kissing babies.
Can't join Matt on the campaign trail and be allowed an interview as a blogger was, because said blogger was a constituent with an audience of about 6 dozen.

After all, we were told, he did a quickie with Hal Anderson on CJOB one morning-- like that was relevant.

Shades of "Lesser media".

After all, why would anyone think it was important to hear from the candidate about his qualifications, his position on issues like the provincial deficit, funding for the city of Winnipeg, education scores being withheld from the AIMS survey, crime fears, the delays in the Brian Sinclair inquest, and the appointment of an unqualified NDP insider, Arlene Wilgosh as head of the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.

In fact, if being the new Gary Doer is the the basis for the Wiebe campaign, the NDP is succeeding.

While Doer throws Olympic parties at his new embassy digs for 1500 guest, and gladhands the rich and powerful in Washington DC, campus radio fans well remember Ambassador SuperChicken's refusal to face the campus radio audience -- even after repeated phone calls and a personal invitation at Folklorama.

However, the opposition parties with dreams of snatching the riding from the government, have no hesitation to allow radio audiences the opportunity to hear how the hopefuls fare in a genuine, intelligent, challenging political conversation.

On Monday, Green Party nominee Ellen Young explained why a young lady such as herself would take up the challenge of public life, and how crime is a big concern in the riding.

Today at 4.35, we'll be joined by the Liberal Party choice, Judi Heppner.

And on Thursday at 4.35, Brian Biebrich of the Progressive Conservatives will appear.

The next time anyone tells you The Great Canadian Talk Show is one-sided, biased, or unfair to the NDP, ask them -- why won't they allow their flagbearers to face the voters questions, Kick-FM style?

Also today:
- the attacks on Christianity continued at City Hall in the Youth For Christ /CentreVenture loan debate;
- will Councillor Browaty lead a revolt against Garbage Carts?
- who IS Arlene Wilgosh, nurse-cum-Postl successor at the WRHA?

- and at 5.25, a preview of tonights' special post-Canada vs. Russia showdown- edition of The Illegal Curve Radio Show

plus your calls at 780-5425, emails at talk@kick.fm, and remember, join our Facebook group
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