Editor,
I certainly noticed the blitz of NDP-supporting letters in last week's paper. From the variety of comments they put forward it really makes me wonder who is really being naive here. It is amazing after a full 10 years of NDP governing that our health care system and educational programs were not any better, the facilities and the equipment, except for some minor items were no greater than when they started, but the costs to the taxpayer were through the roof.
We all want and need a good sustainable medical system and educational programs, this simply cannot be denied. But we also need the fiscal management to make sure our tax dollars are getting were they are most needed and this does not always mean adding more people to the payroll.
I believe the BC Liberals have governed very well and that under their management we will see reinvestment into these valuable services, both in labour and technologies, but still within the boundaries that the taxpayer can afford. This will serve us all for the better and well into the future.
Ron Anderson
Squamish
Local Liberal responds
Editor,
I would like to respond to the letter printed in the May 6 edition of The Chief wherein I am labeled as "extremely naive" to believe that Squamish residents want another four years of the BC Liberals. Has the writer of that letter actually read the Green Party's Policy Book? Don't misunderstand me, I wholly support environmental sustainability and stewardship. But I cannot support a toll on the Sea to Sky Highway, a gas tax on users and commuters of our highway, and limiting logging to pine beetle damaged timber only - all of which Dennis Perry and the Green Party lay out clearly in black and white in their policy book. The negative impact of Green policy would be devastating on our community's tourism and forestry industries, not to mention the impact it would have on residents who must travel to Whistler and Vancouver for work every day.
Furthermore, do we want to go back to the NDP days of record deficit spending, fast ferry fiascos, fudge-it-budgets, and Bingogates? I certainly do not - especially where the Liberal government has shown itself to be fiscally responsible with a social conscience.
Jason Koshman
Squamish
Editor's note: the writer is the Squamish campaign co-ordinator for West Vancouver-Garibaldi BC Liberal candidate Joan McIntyre.
Vote for someone, not against
Editor,
Bryan Raiser's article printed on Friday May 6 advocates strategic voting. In other words don't vote for the party with the vision you admire, instead hold your nose and vote for the party that has the best chance of defeating the Liberals.
Anyone following the election campaign in our local riding (West Van/Garibaldi) would assume Bryan is a little mixed up and must mean vote for the Green Party as they, by every measure have the most realistic opportunity of beating the Liberals on May 17.
One of the unfortunate byproducts of our current electoral system is the pressure it brings on citizens to vote "against" a party. When was the last time most people actually voted "for" what they believe in and supported a party on principle?
Under our current system even if the party in power is elected in the local riding it does not mean the elected MLA will listen to and represent local concerns. They are slaves to party discipline and caucus control. The power, instead of residing with those we actually vote for, rests with the premier's office filled with political hacks most of whom are not even elected.
This riding is a perfect example: Ted Nebbeling, when trying to represent local concerns, was apparently shut down by the Premier and hasn't been heard from since.
When voting on May 17 we all have a historically unique opportunity, the referendum on electoral reform provides us with an opportunity to change the system. In the not too distant past wars have been fought for this privilege; our thanks to Gordon Campbell and the Citizens Assembly for making it happen. This is an opportunity that may not return in our lifetime. Vote for a system that strengthens local representation and their accountability to the community they represent.
I urge everyone to become familiar with the new system being proposed. Wouldn't it be nice if your vote represented a positive expression of your personal beliefs, a vote "for" someone.
Ian Hignell
West Vancouver
Editor's note: Ian Hignell is the registered financial agent for West Vancouver-Garibaldi Green Party candidate Dennis Perry.
