Robert Metz:
Metz: More crucial than votes to the Freedom Party is new membership, and since the election was called, the roster has doubled in London to about 150, said Metz, a 35-year-old chartered accountant. "I would be surprised to hold my own at one or two per cent of the vote", he said, referring to his 1.3 per cent draw in 1985.
As party leader, he is frequently away from the riding, campaigning with Freedom Party candidates in other ridings, half of them in the Toronto area. Touting the party line of freedom of choice, Metz said government should protect freedoms, not make choices for individuals.
Barry Malcolm:
Barry Malcolm, a 32-year-old municipal employee, doesn't expect to be spending the next four or so years at Queen's Park either. He's carrying the banner for the London-based Freedom Party of Ontario because he's "looking 20 years down the road" rather than at the outcome of the Sept. 10 election.
"I'm making a long-term commitment as I try to build up support for the party before and after the election," said Malcolm.
Lloyd Walker:
Walker, a Westonghouse foreman, joined the Freedom Party because "I just felt there was too much government in my life." One of nine candidates fielded by the young party for this election, he echoes the organization's desire for as little government as possible and a freer hand for free enterprise.
"I would be entirely unrealistic if I stood up and said I was running to beat David Peterson."
The party, he says, is still "laying the framework --- we still have a lot of building to do."
"Our goals in this election are to grow. I'm not going to get the votes but I'm not going to lose the election. We will be achieving our goals and getting our story across."
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last updated on April 28, 2002
