Which of course means both candidates for the BC Liberal Party could not be bothered …

BC Liberal candidates mum on issues important to voters in
Chilliwack Hope, and Port Moody Coquitlam by-elections

Several weeks back Integrity BC asked the candidates running in the by-elections for Port Moody – Coquitlam … and Chilliwack – Hope, to answer a short questionnaire.  

It was designed to provide important information on where each candidate, and party, stood on issues important to the people of the riding's.

I am delighted that both candidates for the BC Conservative Party (Christine Clarke in Port Moody – Coquitlam … and John Martin in Chilliwack – Hope), took the time to provide answers to the questionnaire. 

Only one other, Gwen O'Mahony who is running for the NDP in Chilliwack – Hope, also did so.  Which of course means both candidates for the BC Liberal Party could not be bothered.

Here are the questions which were asked in the questionnaire:

As one possible way to address public cynicism towards politicians, how would you conduct yourself differently from the former MLA?

Do you believe that a broader range of political voices should be heard in the legislature and, if so, what proposals would you put forward to reform BC's electoral system?

Do you have any specific ideas for enhancing public engagement in policy development? Would the processes you imagine using be open to, respectful of and responsive to citizens who do not support your political views and/or party?

Do you support legislative amendments to prohibit both corporate and union funding of B.C. political parties and financial contributions from contributors located or residing outside B.C.? Would you support capping individual contributions and, if so, what do you propose the individual limit should be?

Attached is a copy of the 2010 Report of the Local Government Elections Task Force. Do you support implementing the recommendations contained in this report? Notwithstanding the task force's silence on the issue, would you support additional amendments to prohibit both corporate and union funding of local candidates and financial contributions from contributors located or residing outside B.C.?

How would you propose to address the public's ongoing concerns and suspicions over events leading to the sale of BC Rail?

And finally …

B.C.'s Auditor General was recently forced to file a lawsuit against the B.C. government to gain access to government records related to the BC Rail case. What changes do you propose to improve public access to and reporting under B.C.'s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act?

I congratulate these three candidates for taking the time to answer these questions; questions important to the voters of Chilliwack Hope … and Port Moody Coquitlam … before they head to the ballot box this Thursday to elect their new MLA.

That the BC Liberals could not be bothered, or felt it unnecessary to provide a response, once again shows their lack of openness and accountability ... as well as their disrespect of the people they are asking to cast a vote for them.

I’m Alan Forseth in Kamloops … with the thoughts of one conservative.