Letters

Proportional representation means improved local representation

During the electoral referendum in B.C. , there is a very heavily funded campaign funded by big business and largely by the B.C. liberals to scare citizens into voting against changing from First Past the Post, our current system, to Proportional Representation. The tactics being used are patronizing to citizens, constantly trying to convince us that we are incapable of understanding how Pro Rep works.

We’ve been hearing the pros and cons of proportional representation for a few weeks now. Although it may seem confusing to some, it really boils down to one thing – do you want your vote to count?

In light of Coun. Ben Isitt stating that the city “made a fundamental error” regarding the site selection process for the new Crystal Pool, and that the new pool project is a “pig” that council is trying to put lipstick on by linking it to another project near Royal Athletic Park, it may be an appropriate time to think of a new name for the 69.4 million dollar pool facility.

When the idea of proportional representation was first proposed I thought it appealing and with some merit. Since then, and given the present proposal, I have completely reversed my opinion for several compelling reasons. I list three of them here.

The provincial government must quickly complete the shoulder bus lanes from McKenzie to the 6 Mile area, in both directions.

I am a cyclist in my late 70s and am frequently cycling on the Lochside and Galloping Goose trails.

Why should we continue with this elitist winner-take-all nonsense when we can try (for two election cycles) a different way to elect our government representatives?

With respect to the referendum on changing the voting system in B.C. to a version of Proportional Representation or of retaining First Past the Post, the main force rejecting PR has been desperately spending millions of dollars on fear mongering advertisements.

While it is unfortunate there are bite wounds which will heal, it is clear from the report that Rex was not at fault – the humans were. As the owner Kyla points out, Rex was a docile animal and once he was taken to the animal shelter he calmed down. Apparently, she pleaded with the authorities not to kill him since he was not to blame.