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Things have changed since the 2018 Municipal election. During that campaign, candidate Isaac Gilbert is quoted in local media in response to a question about political party affiliation: “Why I am really enjoying this run for Council is because I am independent. I do not have to worry about party whipping and towing the line. I am working to become a respectful arbiter between our citizens and city”.
Fast forward to 2021: While putting up a sign, Isaac Gilbert proudly relayed to me that his 2021 campaign is supported by the Penticton NDP, including some of the local organization’s top brass, and by other NDP scions who “don’t even live here”.
Why is this of concern? As an example, in his social media posts on the subject of Penticton’s homeless situation, Gilbert reveals that he supports NDP Minister David Eby’s recent threats and actions, and that he appears not to have viewed Council’s discussions or read the related reports. He also makes the puerile assertion that housing people “isn’t complex”.
In an apparent open letter to City Council, Gilbert writes that he is disheartened with their actions, suggesting Council has acted without compassion and humanity, and that the City’s survey was “a ploy to absolve yourselves from making a tough decision . . .” He tells Council to: “Own your decisions that got us here and stop being cowards”, and goes on to request they “stop complaining and bring solutions to the table.” What? Gilbert’s previous pledge to be a respectful arbiter has vanished. (Note: Solutions were indeed offered by Penticton but were rejected by the Province.)
Had Gilbert done his homework, he may have been in disagreement with City Council, but would not have called them inhumane and lacking in compassion for the homeless. A researched critique of Council’s decisions might have been welcomed, rather than amateur-hour grandstanding.
Our current Council doesn’t agree on everything. However, they’ve worked respectfully, in a non-partisan way, to achieve consensus on the difficult issues facing Penticton. If Isaac Gilbert is elected, one suspects that his decisions at the Council table won’t be community based. Instead, a political party will be his guiding light. When a party backs a candidate, partisan loyalty is certainly a post-election expectation. Gilbert’s regrettable campaign remarks may reflect his political affiliations. They also affirm why political parties should stay out of municipal elections.
Loraine Stephanson, Penticton
