A conflicting schedule was why the Cariboo-Prince George Conservative was not in attendance in an all candidates forum in Williams Lake.
Todd Doherty says his schedule has been set since the end of June.
“Everyday is mapped out and yeah, you what I’m very sorry that I wasn’t able to attend that but we have agreed  a minimum 4 of the large ones with every Chamber of Commerce in 4 large communities and that was a day that was scheduled for another community.”
Doherty says he has proven that he cares since taking the nomination back in December.
“I think it’s easy for people that are coming along in the last 3 to 5 weeks to throw around words of commitment and dedication-you know there’s been 1 person who has been going up and down the highway meeting with special interest groups and organizations, Mayors and Council since January.”
Doherty says he has put over 51,000 km on his truck to attend special town hall and community meetings on gang violence, Mt Polley, and has met with the Cariboo Regional District and First Nations.
Green Party Candidate Richard Jaques had -called Doherty’s absence on Thursday ridiculous and said he was disappointed he was not participating and honoring a democratic process.
Another forum is not scheduled to take place in Williams Lake until October 15th, which Doherty says he will be attending.