Halifax MLA Howard Epstein’s absence from Darrell Dexter’s newly formed cabinet is raising eyebrows.
A former director of the Ecology Action Centre, Epstein is hugely popular—five times he’s been re-elected to the house, most recently winning 56 percent of the vote in a four-way race.
Epstein is the strongest legislative voice for the environment and is unflinchingly principled, a trait critics would characterize as uncompromising. The scuttlebutt has it that Dexter doesn’t see Epstein as a team player, and the appointment of Shelburne’s Sterling Belliveau as minister of environment is a slight to Epstein.
But Epstein won’t play that game. “The issue isn’t around personal issues; the main issue is around what the government does, and that’s where my focus is,” Epstein tells me. “I regret not being in the cabinet. My regret is only partly a personal regret; I’m sorry that the range of experience and views that I have isn’t there at the cabinet table. But I still have a job to do, and I’m going to do my job.”
This article appears in Jun 25 – Jul 1, 2009.
WHAT…holy cat Howard is the only one I trust in that party……maybe that is the issue…Howard is so about getting the work done and above board and transparent and and and humanely…..and…….dang….. this speaks volumes but I am not shocked when I think about it..as I already posted people surround themselves with like company… so Howard it is a compliment that you are not there…. BELIEVE ME!
Dexter will never be half the man Howard is and he knows it which is why he insulted him with this diss.
Why would a strong NDP MLA be given a position in a pale blue Tory cabinet? We have a Tory government- Hamm 2.0 – Howard is NDP Orange 1.0 and they live in two different ends of the political spectrum.
Next up, a Liberal v NDP fight over the replacement for the council seat of Andrew Younger.
True dat… why would HE be chosen for a party that long ago prostituted itself……he is not there because he rather get the real work done instead of impressing the ladies…who giggle and blush at the new premier……
Pale blue or baby blue?…. all I see coming is more of the blues…..