I have enough Drama in my life right now, and I don't really need to add any fuel to the fire

Greetings friends ... I have been a little on the busy side lately, and not able to write as often as I'd like to on the Conservative Thoughts blog.  I just recently had a conversation the other day however, and thought that it would be worthwhile sharing it with you.

I sent out an email blast last week, about stops that BC Conservative Party leadership candidate Dan Brooks would be making.  This is that conversation, which may strike a cord with you -- I know it will with some.

This is an exciting time for our party, as we move forward to a new and brighter future.

Part of that of course is the current campaign now underway to elect the next leader of OUR party.

I am pleased to let you know that BC Conservative Party leadership candidate Dan Brooks will be making stops in ___ xyz city ___ on ___ November 123 ___.

I am contacting you today to see if you will be able to get together and meet with Dan ... and ask any questions you may have about him and the future of the BC Conservative Party.

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I looking forward to hearing from you  ... alan

Here is an edited version of the response I received back:

Alan,

I don't think I will be attending. I have enough Drama in my life right now, and I don't really need to add any fuel to the fire.  

Thank-you for the invite, and please keep me updated with Party news.

I wish you and Dan all the best in rebuilding the Party.

Regards,

Scott __ abc ___

Well I let that discourage me for a bit, but then I said to myself, 'He hasn't said he's given up on the party ... only that he's had enough of all the turmoil'.  So, I decided to take a chance (maybe a risk), and send a reply back:

Thanks Scott ... I appreciate your follow-up, and the sincerity of your comments about the party.

I do not say this with any disrespect ... it is just an observation that I think 'may' be close to hitting the mark.  I think perhaps you are likely like some others in the party; demoralized and discouraged, and wondering, "Do I really want to do this again?"

I feel comfortable in making this observation because it is a place I too have been.

Until this years AGM, I was a Regional Director with the Party for three years.  I got to experience first hand the cancer that was creating a storm of dissent within the party; it was not a place, or a time, that I would wish on anyone. Despite that I (and others) hung in because we believed there must be a true conservative voice in BC -- not a watered down version represented by Christy Clark and the BC Liberals.

I also volunteered as the campaign manager for our Kamloops South Thompson candidate in the May general election.  There were too few of us on our team, but those we had, put in a huge effort to do the work of many -- again because we believed there had to be a true conservative option for people to vote for. Sadly the damage done by the dissidents in our party, had eroded the support we had been gaining, and as you know, we elected no members to the legislature in May.

At that point my discouragement was pretty much complete, and I was close to throwing in the towel.  Then Dan Brooks stepped forward and said he was seeking to lead the BC Conservatives. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone want to do that?"

I had the opportunity to meet and speak with him on several occasions, and every time I did, I heard him speak with power and passion about conservatism ... I heard him speak bout empowering the grassroots ... and making sure that BC Conservatives never again go through the kind of infighting that took place last year.

Personally, I would like to do more than keep you 'updated with Party news' ... and while I appreciate that you wish Dan 'all the best in rebuilding the Party' ... we need all hands on deck for that to happen.

I ask for you to give one hour of your time, and see if Dan makes you a believer that we can indeed create a party that the people of BC can support, starting first of all by governing ourselves in a way that can give others the confidence they'll need to come on board with us.

Its one hour of your time ... but I can't think of a better way to spend it.  You'll see and hear first hand from Dan -- get your own impression of him -- and see for yourself the passion that he has to make our province a better place for all British Columbians.

Thank you for letting me share a few of my thoughts with you ... and I hope you'll join Dan in ___ xyz city ... alan

Okay, so maybe I took a little risk in sending that, but again, I thought it was worth it, and apparently it was because Scott did send an email back to me:

The Liberal Party have everything to fear by our growth (much as Social Credit did when the Liberal Party came back from the wilderness)

Today I am going to share with you, part of a letter, which was received by one of our Kamloops Constituency Association board members.  I think in reading it, you will find it echoes the response of some people you yourself may have spoken, or been in touch with: 

I am very conservative fiscally and probably small ‘c’ conservative socially, a strong believer in free enterprise but with a social conscience.

I was initially intrigued by the BC conservative movement, I was interested in its direction.  Had some high hopes that it could find a place in BC politics.

I must say I am presently disillusioned by many of the actions ... 

Sound familiar --- are you becoming disillusioned your self when you hear those words, or others similar.  

Well "Buck Up, because here is a response that MUST be delivered to those who believe in what we are trying to do, but are been swayed by outside influences.  And ... every word of what follows IS true!

Dear John Doe ...

Thank you so much for taking the time to respond, and let me say right off the bat that I appreciate your candor in the remarks you made.  If  I were to say, I was not discouraged, by the events that took place this past Summer, I would not be speaking the truth. 

That said, I attended the party AGM held in Langley, and what I saw and felt, was the heart and soul of the membership striving and working towards achieving approval of new policy that would be part of our platform next May.

I also saw our rank and file members listening intently to the words of those who were seeking the lead the party on the Executive and Board of Directors.  Given the overwhelming mandate those elected received, it is obvious that we have majority support for our party leader John Cummins.

Let me also say that he, like anyone one else, has his flaws, however our party is NOT the John Cummins Party.  It is the BC Conservative Party, and we the members (the grassroots) are the people that drive it ... unlike the Adrian Dix led NDP ... and Christy Clark led BC Liberals.

We have lost some of our members through-out the internal problems we had -- those however were NOT the people that stood behind the majority of our membership who are firmly behind a bottom up approach, rather than one led from the top down. 

Those individuals, who are now gone, were more concerned with having their own way, in creating their own little empires, rather than supporting the aspirations of our members. 

We have come out the other side --- we are stronger for the trials we went through -- and our members KNOW the party does, and will, stand behind the will and direction of its members.

The fact they are not clear, as to the biases they have, only speaks to the level of credence they should be accorded – ZERO!

John Cummins, BC Conservative Party Leader

“I’m not going anywhere,” declares BC Conservative leader John Cummins … to which the overwhelming majority of party members have clearly said … “We support you”

Over the weekend the BC Conservative Party issued a media release saying that party dissidents had two days to either get in line or resign their membership in the BC Conservative Party.

It quoted John Cummins saying; “I am unwavering in my dedication to the BC Conservatives, and fully intend to lead my party into the next general election.  Those few but vocal party members who are critical of my leadership and do not support me have until 12:00 noon, Wednesday, to either get on-side or quit our party and join another.”

BC Conservative Party President Al Siebring

Al Siebring, newly elected President of the BC Conservatives said that … the party encouraged open discussion and a diversity of opinion … however he also indicated that … the leadership issue had been settled by party members at the annual general meeting.

Party President Al Siebring went on to take a firm stand saying, “I simply will not allow our party to be distracted by a handful of dissidents who will not abide by the majority’s decision, and personally will take all appropriate measures after noon Wednesday to ensure that we are united behind our leader.”

Rather than smacking of desperation, as suggested in a CBC NEWS story, it showed party leadership is continuing to take measured steps to the situation.   

The CBC news story included the comments of Political Scientist Hamish Telford:

"What really struck me is the authoritarian tone … this is a North Korea kind of thing right, you know Kim Jong Il and demanding personal loyalty to the leader. This is very unusual.  Subversion of the democratic process.”

I have to say that I for one am greatly puzzled by that statement, and comparison.   

That is who, and what, the party is ... and must remain

The MEMBERS of the BC Conservative Party had a great AGM, despite negative comments from pundits, the media, and some who were trying to undermine the party.

Friday night we heard great words from Jordan Bateman of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.  Among other things, he spoke on the necessity of government getting spending under control, and ending the opportunity for CEO's and upper management of Crown Corps and agencies to give themselves big wage increases and bonuses -- SO THAT more can go into front line services and paying down debt.

BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins, wife Sue,
family members, and former party President Reed Elley

BOTH of those ideas are embraced by BC Conservatives.

Saturday morning, through occasional strong, yet respectful debate on proposed amendments to new policy, we completed the work needed to take our platform of common sense ideas to the electorate next spring.

John Cummins was given a mandate to continue as leader -- and then gave a powerful speech -- that electrified the room with the heartfelt passion of the words he delivered.

And then in the afternoon, despite the loss of John van Dongen, the spirit of the membership remained high as we elected a new party executive and board.

New BC Conservative Party President Al Siebring

Elected as the President was long-time radio news broadcaster, and North Cowichan Councilor, Al Siebring.  Christine Clarke, who ran as a candidate for the BC Conservative Party in Port Moody - Coquitlam earlier this year, was elected to the Vice Presidents position.  Lambert Leung will continue in his role as Treasurer, while Linda Bellamy becomes Secretary.

I met many great people on Friday, and Saturday, who have a sincere desire to bring about positive change.  They were members who came from all across our province ... along with many of the women and men who are seeking to become candidates for the BC Conservative party.

That is who, and what, the party is ... and must remain.

This party IS NOT any one person (president, leader, or an MLA) -- and the membership of the BC Conservative Party showed that once again this weekend.

This is a party that British Columbians can and will support in next May's general election.

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

For what it's worth ... a few thoughts on slates and elections

It appears that there are now two slates of candidates, within the BC Conservative Party, who are running for executive and board positions.

Wikipedia describes a ‘slate’ as … a group of candidates that run in multi-seat or multi-position elections on a common platform.

Who will we vote for, and why?

If we (members of the BC Conservative Party) want a “Never the twain shall meet” result from the board elections, we can guarantee it will happen by voting for one slate or the other.

I for one am not prepared to see lines drawn between two groups that cannot exist … OR agree with each other … within our party.

ARE YOU prepared to let that happen through inaction?

No one person, or group of persons, is the BC Conservative Party.  The BC Conservative Party is the entire membership … the grassroots foundation and core of the party.

I am finding this next part of my comments to be hard to write.  I have written, edited, and rewritten this next part several times now.  I’ve done that because I do not want anyone reading this to think I have set myself up as some kind of authority.

Being on one slate, or the other, does NOT mean a person is qualified for the job. 

I hope that you will look at each person, who has let their name stand to be on the Provincial Executive and Board for our party, as an individual. 

What do you know of them … and what qualities and experience do they bring to the table?

Are they individuals who will be willing to seek the council and wisdom of others … others who may have a difference of opinion?

Will they commit to working with all members of the board … realizing there will not always be unanimous agreement on everything that comes before them?

I’m sure you have other qualifications and ideas as well, so talk to those who are seeking a position on the board … see what answers they have to these questions I have posed, and others you have thought of.

Kipling’s poem with the line, “and never the twain shall meet” also goes on to say;

But there is neither East nor West, Border, nor Breed, nor Birth,

When two strong men stand face to face, though they come from the ends of the earth!

I’ll end by saying in my opinion there can be NO room, and no place, for individual agendas, if our common goal is to elect BC Conservative MLA’s to the legislature in next year’s general election.

I’m Alan Forseth in Kamloops … with the thoughts of one conservative.  Feel free to share yours.

Editorials are NOT news … they are the comments, and opinions, of an individual

By now some of you have seen, or heard, about two editorials that ran in Kamloops area newspapers yesterday (09/11/12)

One was written by Mel Rothenberger in the Kamloops Daily News; "Rothenburger: Where are the Kamloops Tories?" … 

... the second by Christopher Foulds in Kamloops This Week; "FOULDS: B.C. Conservative discord gives B.C. Liberals jolt of hope".  

I have posted responses to both editorials in the online editions of the newspapers, as well as submitting Letters to the Editors.

My comments to Mel, at the Kamloops Daily News, were as follows:

I'm puzzled by your comments Mel.

As I stated to you yesterday when you called, the BC Conservative Party has been clear for quite some time now, that candidates across the province would be nominated by Constituency Associations, in the later part of the year. Just because you are NOT privy to information you wish to have (before you retire) on who will be running, is unfortunate.

That said, we are moving forward on our timetable, not yours.

To Christopher at Kamloops This Week, the comments I posted online, and sent as a Letter to the Editor were as follows:

You have said that I have, "unquestionable allegiance to the party" -- fair enough. I would say that your comments in this editorial have basically been fair, and to the point.

Some may question whether John Cummins is the right person to ...lead the party -- fair enough, and that will be decided, and put to rest, on September 22nd.

No one person, or group of persons, IS the BC Conservative Party. It's strength is in the entire membership who are the grassroots foundation and core of the party... and who have the important task of ensuring we focus on a message of accountability, fiscal responsibility, and integrity in government.

I wish I could have been there, but our Salmon Arm fair was hosting Adrian Dix, and I needed to warn him that we were at his heels

It's in the news -- it must be true (NOT)

Some folks subscribe to the theory that if you post something that isn’t true, or that is misleading, enough times … people will believe its true.  There was a lot of that happening this past week … and on social media as well.

Now, I am NOT prepared to call anyone a liar, however many were happy to post about “fireworks” and a “bloodbath” they seemed to have some special knowledge would be happening … happening at the BC Conservative Party Special General Meeting which took place on Saturday.  Here’s just one example:

Bernard Von Schulmann (Yesterday at 8:07pm via Twitter )

Looks like I will have an inside source texting me the blow by blow of the #BCCP blood bath in Victoria tomorrow.  They have a special general meeting on Saturday in Victoria to sort out the shit going on

Al Forseth

Actually ... the meeting is to approve a new party constitution that was put together by a committee of party members. It was reviewed and approved at a full face to face party Board Meeting in Richmond a couple of months ago ... and this is the final step now with membership to approve it.

QUOTE:

The purpose of the Special General Meeting is to consider the passing of a Special Resolution providing for the repeal of the current By-laws of the Party and the adoption of the By-laws set forth in the Proposed Special Resolution a copy of which together with Draft no 9 of the By-laws dated the 16 of July 2012. 

This information is available to members and non-members directly on the party website.

Bernard Von Schulmann:
So I should be getting texts tomorrow about infighting and such?

Al Forseth
I don't see why --- pretty basic stuff. The meeting as I said is only to approve the constitution. You can read for yourself from the link. Nothing earth shattering that I saw previously when we went over it at the face to face provincial board meeting we had in Richmond earlier this Summer

Well folks ... CONTRARY to the tweets of BC Liberals, social media folks, and some media commentators, today was a great day for the BC Conservative Party!

I take the philosophy that "Common sense is neither right wing, or left wing" to heart and believe myself to be a fiscal conservative with a social conscience.

That's me (Alan Forseth) with BC Conservative
Party leader John Cummins

Greetings friends ...

I would like to let you know I have submitted my name to Jeff Bridge, to let him know I will be seeking a position as a Director at Large, for the BC Conservative Party at our AGM in September.

I have been a member of the party now for nearly 3 years, and was initially the interim President for Kamloops South Thompson, as well as the interim Regional Director for Kamloops Thompson Fraser Nicola (Reg 10). I currently am Secretary of the Kamloops South Thompson CA, and continue to be a designated (by the party) Regional Director for Kamloops Thompson Fraser Nicola.

While we have not seen the kind of growth as some CA's in the Okanagan, we have made great strides moving forward from a starting point that initially stood at about 1 dozen members.

As you know, from reading this, I write the Conservative Thoughts blog, which although it has no direct ties to the BC Conservative party, is fully supportive of the BCCP and our goal of achieving government.

I take the philosophy that "Common sense is neither right wing, or left wing" to heart and believe myself to be a fiscal conservative with a social conscience. I also believe that while a Board of Directors can have some differences of opinion on direction, it can be brought together with people that are willing to listen to both sides, and then try and steer things to a win-win solution.

For those who are not aware, I was also part of the Reform movement in BC in the early / mid-90's, and in fact ran as a candidate for BC Reform in the 1996 election. Following that election, I saw too much-finger pointing, dissension, and to be blunt -- Pride - that got in the way of the good that could have been done. Sadly, the result was the implosion of the party.

We as small 'c' conservatives, have a great opportunity to return grassroots, common sense, government to BC -- let's all work together towards that goal!

If you will be attending the BC Conservative Party AGM in Langley, I hope that you will give me your consideration when it comes time to select the people you wish to be "Directors at Large".  I ask for your support.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops.

To give credit where credit is due, he did work hard for constituents

Kamloops South Thompson, BC Liberal MLA, Kevin Krueger

News this morning, that BC Liberal MLA Kevin Krueger has decided not to run in the next provincial election, will be a surprise to voters in his Kamloops South Thompson riding.  

Mr. Krueger had indicated, quite strongly in recent months, that he planned to run again next year.

For me personally, I have to say there may be more at play, than Kevin looking at whether he could, or would, win again.  Having run against him as a candidate in the 1996 election, I know that Kevin is not a man to take lightly; he campaigns hard to win. 

To give credit where credit is due, he did work hard for constituents. That said, with a growing list of issues, which are calling in to question the ability of constituents to vote for the BC Liberals, he could well have been questioning his own ability to continue support for Premier Christy Clark.

All that aside, we as BC Conservatives in Kamloops South Thompson, will continue having discussions with possible candidates to represent us in next May's provincial election.  We’ll be holding a meeting to elect a candidate in mid-October, following the BC Conservative Party AGM which is being held in September.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops, with the thoughts of one conservative

All in all, it was a wonderful evening -- now the real work begins

Two dozen members of the BC Conservative Party, in the riding of Kamloops South Thompson, came together last night to enjoy a meal, and to take part in the Constituency Associations Annual General Meeting, which was chaired by riding President Ted Joslin.

Back Row (Left to Right): Nando Di Lorenzo, Richard Holmes,
Ted Joslin, and Peter Sharp
Front Row:  Alan Forseth and Jacquie Hilton
Missing:  Chris Kempling and Roy Bell

The election of the new board was overseen by Fred Bosman, and when voting concluded, members had elected eight men and women who will now be tasked with registering the Constituency Association with Elections BC, getting plans underway to begin a candidate nomination process, and preparing for the general election to be held next May.

Elected to the board were Fernando Di Lorenzo, Alan Forseth, Jacqueline Hilton, Richard Holmes, Roy Bell, Ted Joslin, Chris Kempling, and Peter Sharp.  The new board will meeting in the next week or two to decide on executive positions, and to set several committees in place.

Following the election of the Board, Regional Director Alan Forseth introduced the evenings Guest Speaker, Sacha Peter of Chilliwack.  While a large portion of his talk centred building a strong campaign team around the right candidate, he also spoke to a concern that some have raised; the issue of vote splitting.

They would have heard plenty of reasons for the ongoing growth of the party

A news story yesterday (Poll sends Clark a sharp warning) in the Times Colonist newspaper stated:

The rise of the Conservatives is a significant factor. But it has more to do with dissatisfaction with the Liberals than with any policy put forward by Conservative leader John Cummins. We have not heard enough from Cummins to judge his party's potential or readiness.

And they were very much right in saying:

A political poll is only a snapshot of voters' opinions at a certain time. And polls taken 17 months before an election should be viewed with skepticism, because much can change in far less time.

That said; this is the fifth straight poll that has shown the BC Conservative Party rising in popularity with British Columbians all across the province.

I think it's a shame that the writer(s) of this editorial must not have attended either / both the gathering of BC Conservatives this Spring in Surrey where John Cummins was elected party leader --- or the AGM this Fall in Nanaimo.