Vaughan
October 04, 2008 12:01 AM
By: Keely Grasser
There was a whole lot of green at the Dub Linn Gate pub in Concord Thursday night.
No, it has nothing to do with St. Patty’s Day, Irish eyes or the like.
Rather, Vaughan Green Party supporters gathered to watch the leader’s
debate, which for the first time, included their leader, Elizabeth May.
A group of 20-odd supporters smirked at Ms May’s jabs at Stephen Harper and nodded at the end of her answers.
The consensus was that the Green leader shone during her first showing at the national debate.
“I’m impressed with her performance. She’s come out of the gate, no holds barred,” said Michael Chomyn.
Participating in the debate will go a long way in raising the party’s profile, he said.
“It goes to show that the Green Party is not a single issue party. It’s about Canada as a whole.”
Alisha Athanasiou said she thought Ms May made a poignant point when
she said that even if pollution isn’t taxed, there is a price to pay
for environmentally destructive practices.
“If we do not pay it with our taxes, we’re going to pay with our future,” she said.
She also said she enjoyed Ms May’s jabs, especially those aimed at Mr. Harper.
“She called him a fraud,” Ms Athanasiou said, laughing.
Joe Monardo, the Vaughan Green Party’s chief financial officer, said he
thought Ms May hit the mark when she spoke about representation by
population.
He also praised her eloquence, referring specifically to a Bill Clinton quote she rhymed off quickly during an answer.
And Ms May didn’t attack anyone, Mr Monardo added.
He said the Green Party is getting past the perception that it attracts a certain type of person.
“We’re not just grassroots and hippies anymore,” he said.
That was evident at the debate viewing party, hosted by Vaughan Green Party candidate Adrian Visentin.
The group consisted of a mix of people of varying ages and backgrounds.