With a federal election call still a distinct possibility, Jeff May has resumed his role as president of the Dufferin-Caledon Federal Liberal Association (DCFLA). He takes over from Dennis Adair, who had been holding the post on an interim basis.

Mr. May, who was once a nominee as the riding's Liberal candidate, withdrew his candidacy for personal reasons, leaving Garth Turner as the lone contestant for the position.

The association has not been without its internal disagreements. Minutes of a Sept. 17 association meeting in Mono Mills indicate that Neil Orford, one of the association's directors, attempted to introduce a motion asking the executive board to endorse the Turner candidacy but Mr. Adair ruled the motion out of order.

He said in an interview that the association does not have the authority to influence a nomination process that is still technically wide open, even if Mr. Turner is currently the only candidate of record.

Mr. Adair said the only time such a motion can be made is at the actual nomination meeting. So far, party headquarters has not given its approval to the Dufferin-Caledon association's request for one.

Mr. May agreed with Mr. Adair, saying an endorsement "at this time is inappropriate. The association's responsibility now is to find potential candidates and run an open, fair and transparent nomination.

"We should ensure the process is open to anyone who wishes to participate."

He added that the disagreement was not a sign of a divided association.

Rather, he maintained that it was "good old fashioned debate," and said that, during the nomination process, there is rarely unanimous support for any one candidate from start to finish.

Mr. May would not comment on whether the association benefitted when a possible fall election was averted by an agreement between the ruling Conservatives and the Bloc Quebecois.

"If an election is to be," he said, "our role is to be prepared. If not, our job is to get prepared."