Christy Clark has become quite a magician.
She changed herself from an MLA into a radio host and then into a provincial premier; made the B.C. Rail scandal disappear; vanished behind a cloak of invisibility during the all-candidates debate; and won the Vancouver-Point Grey riding in a photo finish.
However, she has an even bigger challenge ahead: turning the unpopular HST into an acceptable tax. To distract our attention, Clark will make a big fuss about a reduction in the rate and new tax exemptions, but the success of her “politrick” will depend on a liberal use of political smoke and mirrors.
During the byelection Clark had been basking in the bright lights of pubic exposure and her confidence was growing like a well-nourished weed. Had she been asked privately if she could beat the NDP in the upcoming provincial election, undoubtedly her answer would have been a self-assured, “Just watch me!”
Indeed that is good advice. We should keep our eyes on her and watch what her politically adept hands are doing. We should not allow ourselves to become distracted by her beguiling smile and folksy words about humility.
Lloyd Atkins
Vernon