Dear editor,
People entering politics hope to make a difference, but our system stifles backbenchers.
“Unless you become a minister you never get involved in a policy discussion.” — George Abbott, former health minister, quoted in Victoria Times Colonist (April 2, 2013).
What a waste of human talent, enthusiasm and taxpayers' money caused by partisan politics, which stifle backbenchers.
We need to hear and discuss many policy considerations from all sides of the political spectrum. No one party is infallible.
Records show lack of committee meetings on vital subjects. Backbenchers could use their life experience to sift the options in the best interest of British Columbians before legislation is introduced in the house.
Imagine a minority government with the balance of power held by the Greens! It would behoove all members to share policy and decision making instead of the partisan political bickering we’ve lived with for so long.
Change is in the air.
Think of the countless non-profits in every constituency who work their butts off to restore rivers and estuaries, prevent clear-cutting, run salmon enhancement programs, protest unwise development issues and protect habitat. Our schoolchildren run recycling clubs and grow community gardens.
To make their world more sustainable and healthy we must wean ourselves off the addiction to fossil fuels. It takes time to change and there’s not much left! We must begin.
Think of the Green wave that would swamp Victoria if these volunteers voted Green.
Don’t raise your hands in horror. Think of Elizabeth May. Vote for good sense and the guts to use it. Vote Green on May 14.
Joy Johnston,
Comox