Here we go again with an alleged "no tax increase" regime, and yet all those hidden taxes keep going up and up

Why is it that government continues to allow an out of control sense of

entitlement to crown corporations giving them selves big wage increase and bonuses ... and yet expects government employees to accept zip, zip and zip. 

A story in the Vancouver Sun today reminds us that ... ICBC eliminated more than 260 jobs late last year, most of them from a management group that ballooned almost 41 per cent from 2007 to 2011, according to a government audit last August. After the audit, then-CEO Jon Schubert — who earned $486,541 in pay and bonuses in 2011 — resigned.

At the same time it is fine and well for ICBC to nail us with an increase in rates of 16.1 percent in just a year and a half. 

Can some one please tell me how much the BC Liberal government gouges out of ICBC to bury in general revenues? 

Here we go again with an alleged no tax increase regime, and yet all those hidden taxes keep going up and up. 

Remember it wasn't all that long ago that we heard we could expect an increase of 30% to BC Hydro rates was on the horizon.  Bill Tieleman, in a July 9th article in the Tyee had this to say: 

If there's any surprise, it's for BC Hydro ratepayers who will get hosed with significantly higher electricity bills of likely 30% over three years because the government and board were playing with the Crown corporation's finances like it was Monopoly money. 

Sadly, the residents of the lower mainland also have even more out of control government intervention in things ... for example Translink. 

Another story from earlier this spring in the Surrey North Delta Leader stated: 

"The province has exercised a dominant interest, feeling free to impose its priorities on the region and reluctant to provide a role in transit for local government institutionsit did not directly or indirectly control." 

There is now an ... unelected "professional" board consisting of corporate directors with expertise in areas like finance, real estate and engineering."

Some of you will know this message is being directed to you ...

Where does the BC Conservative Party go now that no seats were won in the general election, and leader John Cummins has stepped aside to allow the party to begin a search for a new leader? 

Those are good questions, and ones that all members should be giving serious consideration too.

Sadly I already know of some members who have already decided that there is no future for the party.  I RESPECTFULLY have to disagree! 

In fact, some of the people I know who have, or are considering this move, are the very people that this party DOES need to have as members.  Despite what some who are outside the party, including those in the media, have to say ... we are a party that is working towards creating the kind of common sense ideals that can appeal to most British Columbians.

Does BC still have a choice of the BC Conservative Party?

Already much has been done to lay the foundation for this -- however the work is not complete -- and an inclusive and open discussion must take place to make sure the party can, and will be, relevant. 

To tell you the truth, I was exhausted after the past couple of years, and especially after all of the work that went into our own local Kamloops South Thompson campaign.  I was ready for a long, and what I felt was well deserved, break.  I was wrong!

The real work really must begin, and all small 'c' conservatives need to be on board.

Let me repeat that ... ALL small 'c' conservative who believe in fiscal values of accountability ... who believe in being responsive to the people of BC ... and who has a social conscience that says we MUST offer a hand-up to those that need it ... need to be on board.

Many are tired of the work that has been put in ... but no real goal(s) can be realized without effort.

I never really was out of the saddle following the election, but I did take a bit of a respite.  For those who were in the same place as I was emotionally, or who have been considering they have no more to give, then I ask you to consider this. 

Look back at what it was you were trying to achieve and ask yourself ... "Are the goals you wished to reach any different than they were before?"

Some of you will know this message is being directed to you.  Regardless ... let me say that I respect whatever the choice is that some of you have made, or will make. 

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