While the Done With Dalton campaign is done, Marc Dalton is saying no to a knock-down drag-out debate with the FightHST folks.
The MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows says the April 7 event will be too political and it's too soon, given the June 24 voting day for the mail-in vote on the HST.
"As far as the debate goes right now, the timeline isn't right for me to attend," he said Monday.
"I'm not keen on this, just because of the political connotations. I really believe the HST has to be judged on its own merits."
Dalton said he doesn't want to be the primary spokesman on the topic and says the issue should be discussed on its economic pros and cons and that people should take ownership of the debate and decide what is the best way to raise revenue for the province.
"It's important people don't feel they're being pushed by politicians."
He said government caucus also will discuss the issue and how to handle public input leading up to the vote.
"At this point, I'm not sure. I'm not ducking it, I have supported the HST … but whether or not I make the best spokesperson, I'm not sure. There might be better voices, maybe a panel discussion."
He said he'd also consider a debate later on, closer to the June 24 voting day.
"As we move closer to the event the path will be clear."
Dalton said the Done WIth Dalton's decision to cancel the recall campaign "as a win for myself and my supporters.
"The fact that they called it quits reflected the fact that the recall campaign wasn't resonating in Maple Ridge-Mission.
"It just wasn't having the response that they thought it would."