Re: NDP could find leader here (Our View, Sept. 25)
I totally agree that the B.C. NDP must pick a new leader “who has the spirit and drive to connect with voters.” The theme for the campaign to replace Adrian Dix should be: “Choosing a new generation leader for a new generation of British Columbians.”
I think even the most cantankerous old curmudgeons like me realize there is a desperate need for infusion of new blood at the highest level of B.C. politics. That is why I believe choosing Victoria-Swan Lake MLA Rob Fleming as its new leader would give the NDP its best chance by far of winning the next election.
While he has almost 15 years of experience in municipal and provincial politics, Fleming, at 42, is still young enough to be credibly presented to voters as a “new generation” leader.
With all due respect to such MLAs as John Horgan, Mike Farnworth and Leonard Krog, if the NDP hopes to win next time, it needs new blood at the top – not just better quality old blood.
Indeed, the 1960s should be consigned to the dustbin of history. It’s time for British Columbia to have its first premier who was born in the 1970s.
If the NDP chooses a fresh, energetic young leader, I think it stands a very good chance of coming to power in 2017.
But if, instead, it chooses one of the tired old retreads from the past who keep haunting our political landscape like the ghost of Jacob Marley, the party will be mired in opposition for a very long time.
Gordon Pollard
Victoria
