What does the vast silent majority really think?

Politicians and political parties of every stripe are always claiming they represent the majority of people -- the silent minority ... everyday people ... what ever you want to call them.  And each party also has a platform and principles that reflect where they believe policies need to be taken ...

So what does the vast silent majority really think?

I would like to know the top 3 or 4 things you believe are most important in BC, and not necessarily the things that will most impact you directly (could be your children or grand-children, your neighbour that's been out of work for months, someone you know that's been a victim of crime, etc, etc). 

There are all kinds of things to consider from farmland usage ... hydro run of river projects ... mining ... forestry ... the environment ... education ... health care ... law and order ... deficits and debt ... how often the legislature sits ... retaining government services (which) in smaller communities.
 

In recent months a research facility for forestry was closed --- the government dropped funding for an institute at UBC that researched new drugs for safety and effectiveness --- when the Liberals first came to power a decade ago hospitals, courthouses, schools, ministry of forest yards / centres and more were closed. 


- Did any of those things -- or others -- impact you

- In what way did they impact you?

- What thoughts and ideas do you have?? 

I asked a few people about this yesterday, and here are just a few of the responses so far:

Environment.  My concern is government taking on a mantel of being green because it is popular rather than scientifically sound.  The issue of carbon taxes is front and center in my mind.  The rational for them is unfounded in science and faulty.  Included are the alternate energy sources that are subsidized by the rate payer.  If they are a good idea let them stand on their own economic merits.  Let’s reduce government and reduce taxes--our children will be better off.

Our provincial government must learn to live within its means.  Municipal governments and school boards are not, by law, permitted to run budget deficits and have to take drastic measures to live within their income.  The provincial government should be in the same category.  The interest on the provincial debt alone would go a very long way to improving health care and education.

Run-of-river power projects.  What is the truth regarding the price that these projects charge BC Hydro?  I keep hearing that we (BC Hydro) pays more than what it charges consumers such as me.  Doesn't sound like a good deal to me and wonder why in hell anyone would contract for something that it will sell below cost?  Also, are these contracts "carved in stone" and for how long?

Send an email to me (alfman55@hotmail.com) about what’s important to you.  Once I've had a chance to tabulate the results, I'll you know what the results are on what people have to say.

I’m Alan Forseth in Kamloops … and those are just a few of the thoughts of one conservative, and those of a few others.  I look forward to reading what you have to say :-)