Inside the St. Charles interview

The interview with David St. Charles at the Oasis Restaurant in Cobourg was complex, as it was revealing. His political views are deeply entrenched in his business philosophy: government should run like an efficient business, self-reliance, accountability, reduction of public funding to public institutions, among others.
St. Charles was dressed in business-casual clothes - dress pants, shoes, but a relaxed, button-downed shirt, impeccably groomed. While his manner is easy, his eyes are penetrating. Everything is being taken in. His voice is comfortable, but strain when asked tougher questions that seek specifics.
For now, his desire to get a campus of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology is the centre-piece of his campaign. He has many ideas around other important issues like health care, but they are not the stuff of political platforms. He suggested innovative use of technology, referring specifically to the use of wireless phones by doctors to get patient information on demand, something he saw used in Europe. While an interesting idea, it is not the broad policy of a political platform. At least, not yet.  With time and advice, he may choose to transform it into a policy initiative to enhance the use of technology in Ontario hospitals. That will be up to him and his advisors.
The private sector/public sector alliances, the central focus of his job at OUIT, is also a big part of his platform. And, while he supports more money to universities from the provincial government, he was quick to cut federal funding for academic research. He challenged the usefulness of some research areas and, as expected, wanted more research funded through private/public research. This may have merits, but there are plenty of pitfalls, as was discovered by Dr. Nancy Olivieri, at the Hospital for Sick Children, when she was her research was challenged by a drug company. Academic freedom is a very complex area and for someone to simplify it as St. Charles has done, dismissing the validity of research in non-economically beneficial areas falls short.
One of the most interesting exchanges was a challenge to his contention he "not a politician" and his low-key campaign. He was very quick to correct an assertion that he his a reluctant politician. Even-though he said several times the results of the nomination campaign were not important because he is only in the race to stimulate debate, St. Charles snapped at the suggestion he lacked any fire within him to win. He agreed the ambition that has driven him to the heights of international business success were fueling his  desire to seek the candidacy for Northumberland Conservatives.
Sitting alone in the restaurant, one could feel the presence of others in the background of the campaign.
St. Charles sought advice from many people before declaring. He spoke with business associates from around the world. Bob McCoubrey was an important local advisor in the early stages. McCoubrey is a very successful businessman, owning a chain of funeral homes, and a high-profile fundraiser, particularly for the Northumberland Hills Hospital. His blessing bring much weight in local Conservative circles.
The disaffected Liberals who have gathered behind St. Charles represent the an important aspect of this campaign. Ryan O'Grady, the former executive assistant to Liberal MP Paul Macklin, bring a certain irony and strength. O'Grady had a very quiet fallout with Macklin, from a public perspective. But within Liberal circles it was a major bloodletting. O'Grady was a key advisor and brought a lot to the table for Macklin, helping deliver two victories at the polls. Nobody likes to talk about why he left. The irony of his return to local politics, this time inside the Conservative camp, is obviously a slap in the face to Liberals.
The support of Carolyn Campbell, the former provincial Liberal candidate, is another body blow, as well as a one-finger salute to the party in Northumberland.  She lost a bitter battle for the nomination to the current MPP Lou Rinaldi. Campbell has held several government positions since she left as social services director for Northumberland County. Some of these came as a result of her Liberal connections, including as chief returning officer for several elections.
Both O'Grady and Campbell will bring considerable numbers of unhappy Liberals into the St. Charles camp. This will tear away at Rinaldi's support, as well as unhinge the riding association, since this kind of betrayal is scorned.
The interview went for two hours, much longer than expected. By the end, St. Charles was tired, but not done. There are many questions still to be answered, mainly specifics of his platform. Also, the low-key tactic will be a major factor. If he is able to transform this into a juggernaut  in time for the nomination meeting is crucial. While the other candidates attend highly public events and receive some elements of press coverage, this is mainly an internal political battle. It hinges on conversations in living rooms and kitchens across the county - quiet conversations. It is one of the last bastions of retail politics where face-to-face is more valuable than all the advertising and stump speeches one can imagine.