The Liberal Party is trying to play down the question of David Pretlove's apparent attempt to coverup a major theft of money from the London riding association.
The Liberal Party is under some pressure to take action on the growing questions surrounding Liberal Party director (Ontario wing) David Pretlove's strange offer to reimburse the London riding association almost $15,000, discovered missing in January. The offer was conditional on a written assurance that the police not get involved. The offer was turned down and the police were called in. Strange as that offer was in January, it is now seen as downright suspicious when it was learned that the woman charged this week in the theft, Suzan Pawlak, was on Pretlove's staff when Pretlove made his offer.
Michael Crawley, president of the Ontario wing of the party, said Pretlove's offer was made without the knowledge or authorization of party brass.
He said Pretlove decided some time ago he'd be leaving the party, so seeking his suspension is a "moot point."
I would beg to differ. Even if he was planning to leave at 5pm, suspending him at 4:30 would still send a message. But then this is the Liberal Party. Best to let problems just go away.
Of course, the problem won't go away. The questions revolve his actions from several months ago. If Pretlove had knowledge of his staffer's actions, and had attempted to use his position in the party to suppress an investigation, it calls into question his judgment. His actions might even be criminal, depending on what he knew. The Liberal Party has to be concerned too. If Pretlove did know what Pawlak is alleged to have done, and was trying to protect her, the reason behind that could be very significant, and might require a detailed analysis and audit of the workings of his office going back to last December or even earlier.
Maybe the Michael Crawley and Pretlove's other colleagues in the Liberal Party executive would like to see this go away, and aren't motivated to investigate Pretlove's actions, but I bet Liberal Party rank-and-file members whose party membership fees and donations made up that $15,000 in missing cash would like to know more about what is going on.
But then since Liberal bloggers to date have ignored this story, rank-and-file members might not know what is going on. All the more reason that the press needs to step up to the plate on the David Pretlove story.
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The NDP is playing a useful role, hammering away at the LPCs continuing ethical lapses. At the same time, they are right to point out Dion's lack of leadership in properly dealing with these kinds of issues. And hopefully, Pat Martin will resurrect his attacks on Dion's dual citizenship,best done during the election campaign.
The NDP can do a lot of the dirty work for us, freeing up Harper to stay on the high road, campaigning mostly on his record.
Posted by: Calgary Junkie at July 20, 2007 11:42 AM
The obvious thing that is lurking in the wings, is what other skullduggery has been covered up by these paragons of vrtue. Keep digging, Steve. I'm sure there are more skeletons resting under this manure pile. The Liebs have always spin doctored the obvious into nothingness, and unfortunately been fairly successful.
Don't worry about getting credit for what you are doing- one day you'll be an overnight success. The real thing is to do what you can't stop doing and do not expect to get any reward. If any recompense comes it should be of its own volition and not be looked for or expected.
You have a measure of recognition so don't let frustration get in the way of the great job you have done up to now.
Posted by: Dave from Campbell River at July 20, 2007 12:11 PM
...it is so nice to see the Liberal house of cards come falling down after all these years.
My grandmother had a saying: "the truth always comes out".
Posted by: tomax7 at July 20, 2007 03:28 PM