British Columbians are searching for an option … a choice that they have not had in recent years

Last Monday Jim Harrison, in his editorial comment on CHNL, suggested that the forecast is stormy, with a good chance of disaster, for the BC Conservative Party.

Kamloops South Thompson BC Conservative Party Constituency Association Vice President Peter Sharp – and I – both strongly disagreed with what he had to say.

The following is a joint piece from the two of us -- an edited version of which ran on CHNL on Monday October 1 -- as a rebuttal to Jim Harrisons original Editorial Comment.

Having attended the BC Conservative AGM, I saw a great deal of unity, goodwill, and a commitment to offering BC voters a real choice and option.

As you mentioned … former BC Conservative candidate John Martin did decide to join the BC Liberals.  To me however, that was further proof of what only months ago he said was wrong with Christy Clark’s Liberals. 

I quote … “"Not even the most devoted Liberal supporter could argue with a straight face that this government has earned a fourth mandate. Theirs is a legacy of deceit, incompetence, and financial mismanagement.”

On Saturday morning (September 22) over 250 party members spent nearly 3 hours in occasional strong, yet respectful debate on proposed amendments to new policy.

We completed the work needed to present our platform of common sense ideas to the electorate next spring.

John Cummins was given a mandate to continue as leader -- and then proceeded to deliver a powerful and passionate speech on several key points need for voters to once again begin having faith in government.

And then … to the loss of John Van Gone Again.  Regretfully he is now “0” for “2” on being able to work with party leadership.

That said … and despite his leaving the party in the midst of our AGM … there was no exodus of members from the floor.  In fact, the spirit of members remained high as we elected a new executive and board.

Whether the BC Conservatives become government – become the official opposition – or has third party status is NOT the point --- although we are certainly aiming for top spot!

British Columbians are searching for an option … a choice that they have not had in recent years. 

By the vast numbers of people who are no longer voting, it is clear people are looking for an option that will provide real leadership, integrity, and accountability.

REAL Leadership is needed to provide direction in getting spending under control … in creating a climate for the growth of jobs that can support and sustain families … ensuring that children are the focus of our education system … and in finding ways that quality health care is available in a timely fashion. 

People are looking for integrity in government … and for MLAs that WILL BE accountable to the people electing them.

In next May’s general election our candidates will indeed be a legitimate place -- for those discouraged with the NDP and the Liberals -- to place their vote.