Opinion

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.

Jock Finlayson is executive vice president and chief policy officer of the Business Council of BC

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

Mommy’s Inside Voice is a biweekly column by Amie Jay, a local mother of three

Media prefer ‘speed kills’ narrative, even when it fails to appear

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