There was a sense and feeling that something had begun, and was growing

Saturday afternoon (March 31, 2012) members of the Kamloops North Thompson BC Conservative Party Constituency Association, gathered at the Rayleigh Elementary School.  On tap was the business of electing a new board and executive.

But much more than that happened at that meeting -- there was a sense and feeling that something had begun, and was growing.

I listened to the comments of people there as they discussed, with one and other, the growth of the party – how more and more there was talk of the BC Conservatives in the news – and of course the move of long-time Abbotsford South MLA John van Dongen to the party.

Party brochures were picked up and discussed, then many went back to pick up more to take with them.  The membership table was also busy as several people from within the riding took out memberships – two for the first time in ANY political party.

Guest Speaker, Wayne McGrath, former
BC Conservative Party President

I was delighted to have the opportunity as Regional Director for the party for this area, to welcome and introduce to members, the former party president and guest speaker, Wayne McGrath.  Wayne had much to say about the growth of the party during the past year, and it was an encouragement to members who were there.

Here are a few of the comments he made on Saturday:

Today, voters are frustrated and angry.  In the last provincial election (2009), 48% of the eligible voters did NOT vote.  As the lesser of 2 evils, many conservatives voted Liberal since there were only 24 Conservative candidates. Some voters were so angry at the Liberals, they actually voted NDP.

Most British Columbians are actually conservatives.  In the 2011 federal election, that fact was clearly demonstrated.  Liberals were a distant 3rd behind the Conservatives (1st) and the NDP.

He also let members and guests know that in the upcoming days, weeks, and months that the BC Conservative Party will be communicating even more on:

… the issues that differentiate ourselves from the Liberals and NDP:

• scrap carbon tax
• eliminate donations from unions and corporations
• MLAs will put constituents’ needs over the Party’s interest
• Restore the ability of police to lay charges
• Increase the number of prosecutors and sheriffs
• Senate elections
• Reduce size of government

And he said that many other issues will be brought up in the party’s platform closer to election.

As mentioned, the day was about electing and new Board of Directors and Executive and these are the people how will lead the constituency during the next year:

President:  Ed Fehr

Vice President:  Ron Anderson

Secretary: Calvin Lutz

Treasurer:  Garvin Wallace

Financial Agent:  Carl Hagen

Membership Chair:  Naomi Fehr

Many more hands will be needed in the coming months, and I hope that you will be ready and able to lend a hand when called upon.

I’m Alan Forseth, in Kamloops.