On Sunday, the Executive Board of the Newfoundland & Labrador Liberal Party will meet to select a new Leader. Given the competing demands of its constitution on the one hand, and a fast-approaching election on the other, the Board vote is the only reasonable and legitimate means to make this decision.
Three candidates have already entered the race. More may enter before the deadline passes.
Each will have a chance to convince the twenty members of the Board of their reasons for running, and their qualifications for the position.
The Board, in turn, has committed to a consultation period. As stated in Tuesday’s press release:
“Commencing at 2:00 pm on Friday, August 12, 2011, the Executive Board shall engage in a 48-hour consultation process that will reach out to Liberals province-wide.”
Realistically, there is only so much consulting the Board can do in 48 Districts over 48 hours. Optimistically, they’ll reach district association presidents, executives, and candidates. Beyond that, the Party has no formal membership list, and even reaching those who are actively involved on such short notice will be difficult.
But what about the public?
Even if the people of Newfoundland & Labrador don’t have a vote in this selection process, they still should have a voice in this process, or at very least, a set of ears.
Some of us kicked this idea around yesterday and with a lot of help, we’ve found a solution.
We’re inviting every voter in the province that’s interested in the Party’s future to a virtual Town Hall – an online telephone forum where they can share their priorities and ideas, voice their concerns, listen to each other, and hear from the candidates as well.
It’s free. It’s open to everyone, and it starts at 2:00pm Newfoundland time (1:30 in most of Labrador).
All you have to do is register by 6:00pm Friday, August 12, 2011
Complete information will be posted here shortly.
