Candidate Farber's Deathless Sound Bites

The provincial Liberals are way down in the polls, but "star" Liberal candidate Bernie Farber (who, having announced his candidacy some weeks ago wasn't around when other Ceejers were handed their walking papers) is "confident" that he'll unseat Tory MPP Peter Shurman. Caitlin Orr, gal reporter for the local rag, captures a few of Bernie's gems that are sure to leave an impression on Thornhill voters:

Farber has been involved with the organization for 25 years, serving as CEO for the past six years. The Liberal party is touting his experience in fighting anti-Semitism and discrimination, portraying him as a leading human rights expert.

“I’m a known commodity,” Farber says. “I’ve spent a lot of time working on behalf of the residents of Thornhill to make this a better community.”

He has been involved in committees for safety and security, community and race relations, and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

Shurman, a businessman and former radio talk show host, was elected four years ago.

Speaking from a dock in Mexico just before leaving on a cruise to celebrate his mother-in-law’s recovery from illness, Farber said his top priorities are the economy, healthcare, education and transportation.

The well-being of their families is what concerns voters the most, he said, adding that he is worried about PC leader Tim Hudak’s approach.

“Mr. Hudak does not seem to understand the need for healthcare funding,” he said.

Farber draws parallels between Hudak and the legacy of former PC premier Mike Harris’ Common Sense Revolution — bitter to some — when it comes to healthcare and education.

But an indignant Shurman stresses that Harris is in the past, and that Hudak is a fresh face. The Liberals are the ones who should be on the defensive, he says.

“If there are problems they’re not due to Mike Harris,” he said. “They’re (Premier) Dalton McGuinty’s problems.”...

[Shurman] contrasts the Liberal and PC approach to the economy as an example, saying that Liberals tax away money that could be used for development.

“Taxation is not economic activity,” Shurman said. “Our concept of government is to create conditions for success and (then) get out of the way.”

Farber calls Hudak’s plan to cut taxes and then raise spending “impossible”.

“The bottom line is, you need to have resources to pay for things,” he said...

You do? Huh, who knew? Better write that one down, folks, 'cause it's a keeper.