Merry Christmas to you … and best wishes for a safe and happy holiday season …

As this year rapidly draws to a close, many people were asking what the likelihood of a provincial election was for next year.  While one Liberal leadership candidate, Christy Clark was saying there should be one if she is elected -- other leadership hopefuls have been saying no.  Regardless, Elections BC says they will need six months to prepare and get voters lists ready.  Keep in mind though there is at least the possibility we could have a few by-elections depending on the outcome of recall campaigns -- and depending on the winner of the NDP and Liberal leadership races.

Bill Bennett asks, “Is there not a better way for MLA’s to represent their constituents?”

On Tuesday (December 21^st) there was an interview with Kootenay East MLA, Bill Bennett in the Cranbrook Townsman newspaper (http://www.dailytownsman.com/article/20101221/CRANBROOK0101/312219982/a-propitious-time-in-bc-politics-mla-says).

During the interview, which was conducted by Barry Coulter, Bennett indicated he sees an opportunity for positive change to the way politics is conducted in BC in that he said, “…. you could easily end up with something we haven't seen in this province in many decades, which is NDP, BC Liberal, BC Conservative (who Bennett sees as the best organized of the other parties and the furthest ahead in terms of electing members), and one or two BC First Party or BC Heritage Party members.”

He also asked the question a large number of residents, who are becoming increasingly more vocal, have been asking for many years … “Is there not a better way for MLA’s to represent their constituents?”

A look back ... May 21st, 1996

Just this morning I looked back at something I had written on May 21^st, 1996, when I ran as a candidate for the Reform Party of BC.

As British Columbians we enjoy the richness of our multi-cultural diversity – job opportunities in every imaginable field – scenic splendor for all to enjoy – and an abundance of natural resources that in the past have fueled the economic growth of our province.  And you ask, "How can we protect this quality of life?”

• You feel taxed to death and over governed
• You’ve lost faith in political parties that have repeatedly failed to deliver on what they promise
• You’re concerned about ensuring that we have a quality health and education system we can be proud of
• And you’re concerned about maintaining a caring society that offers a hand to those in need

It is now 14 years later, and since then we endured one more term of the NDP … followed by a decade of the Liberals.  Since 1996 what has changed from the concerns I heard back then?

We still feel taxed to death and over governed … in fact a 15% tax reduction offered this Fall (which never should have been promised in the first place), was yanked back days later by the Liberals.

Politicians continue to make promises they can’t – or won’t – keep.

The Liberals have lost the trust and confidence of many British Columbians

In following news of the leadership campaign, George Abbott has said the BC Liberals have lost the trust and confidence of many British Columbians, and that he intends to use this campaign to help see it rebuilt.

He has also said he is travelling the province to meet with people to discuss their concerns and ideas … and one of the reasons why he is placing a heavy emphasis on reconnecting with the grassroots is because, and I quote, “if we don’t do that, there will be other parties that will fill that void” … “such as the B.C. Conservative Party”

What I fail to understand however is why it has taken Abbott and the rest of the Liberal leadership hopefuls, ten years to understand the obvious – voters want government to be accountable, and we want our elected MLA’s to actually represent us. 

Christy Clark -- the next leader of the BC Liberals???

Apparently the majority of people involved in the news media currently seem to think that Christy Clark has the lead among members of the BC Liberal party who will soon be electing a new leader.

So what have some people had to say about her ???

... a well-honed ambition does not necessarily translate into performance at the cabinet table. As education minister, she launched many initiatives but delivered on few, and lost a key battle with the B.C. Teachers' Federation over control of the College of Teachers.

... "She was energetic with a lot of ideas -- some of which were positive," said Gordon Comeau, head of the school trustees, on the day in early 2004 when the premier shuffled Clark out of education. "But her energy sometimes created conflict in the system that is still there now."

… her second chance was the ministry of children and family development -- "Why me?" Clark was quoted as saying when Campbell gave her the news.  Six months later she was gone telling the premier she was quitting cabinet and would not be seek re-election.

BC Conservative Party Board of Directors named for Kamloops South Thompson

Following the official founding meeting for the Kamloops South Thompson Constituency Association, held on November 29^th, a Board of Directors is now in place.

Meeting in Kamloops Thursday evening (December 9^th) the constituency associations’ directors selected Alan Forseth of Kamloops to the Presidents position while Fred Batyi (bay-tea) of Chase will be the Vice President.  Also from Kamloops, Ted Joslin chosen as Secretary and Jacquie McDonald fills the Treasurers position.

Board of Directors For Kamloops North Thomspon BC Conservatives

Meeting at the McLure Restaurant on Saturday afternoon (December 11^th), an interim board of directors was chosen to lead the BC Conservatives in the riding of Kamloops North Thompson.

Regional Director Alan Forseth commented, “With members stretching across this vast riding from Blue River right through to Kamloops, we’re delighted our board has the same kind of representation.”

Serving as the ridings first President will be Carl Hagen of Kamloops, while Vice President Ron Anderson and Secretary Don Corser both hale from Clearwater.  Rounding out the board will be Treasurer Garvin Wallace of Kamloops, and Director at Large Beth Ofukany also of Kamloops.