whistler - November 02nd, 2005
Moved from got a question to here- November 01st, 2005
There was a question posted about campaign contributions, specifically from developers, and, Duane, you posted a link to the Local Government Act. The problem is that the candidates do not have to list their campaign donations until after the election. So ask the question of the candidates if you have a concern. As for me, I'm not taking campaign contributions in this election. My campaign is low key (old school 1996 recycled campaign signs is a case in point) and based on personal contact. Call or email me if you have a comment or issue. See my website for contact info. www.nancywilhelm-morden.com

anonymous - November 03rd, 2005
I’m actively seeking contributions for my campaign, I ran three years ago, and failed. I believe I would have had a much better chance had I done a little fundraising. I have two little kids, and raising a family in Whistler is very expensive ($840 for daycare this month) Running a successful election campaign is cost prohibitive for people like me unless you fundraise. In the last election some candidates spent over 10K on their campaigns. One of my key messages is about retaining our young families. The message is important, and my conscience will be clear IF developers want to contribute, to my campaign. I have been a vociferous proponent of employee housing development, so developers might be interested in seeing me elected, but more importantly the young families (and young talented staff) that need housing should be interested in seeing me elected. I have also made it clear in last weeks newspaper that I’ll stick to my guns if a development is not a benefit that meets my criteria of helping Whistler retain its young families, stimulate the resort’s economy and offering support to small business.
The question you should be asking is what sort of moral compass do you use to make your decisions, and how will the money you receive influence your decision. So… Feel free to visit my website (it has a secure payment donation button) and make a contribution today! If you agree with my priorities and my vision for Whistler, then even a $5 or $10 contribution will be a big help.
One last thing… I was not going to reply to this post until Nancy did. Anonymous posts have no credibility, until someone replies. As candidates we put forth our beliefs in a very public way, the least people can do is sign their name to a question, if your embarrassed by the question then why would you ask it. I would also encourage all the other candidates to not reply to anonymous posts.
Ralph Forsyth
ralphforsyth.org

anonymous - November 16th, 2005
Last campaign I refused any donations other than volunteer time. As an unknown entity to politics I did not want people supporting me, thinking I was one thing and finding our otherwise. The campaign cost me a bit over $4,000.

Three years later, I'm recycling material from last campaign and spending a lot less. Never-the-less, while not actively soliciting donations, this time around I'm usually accepting them if offered. If donors, or detractors, think my support can be bought for a few dollars, or even a few hundred, they don't know me very well.

Gordon McKeever