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:

PETER SHARP; I am not running to become the candidate for the BC Conservative Party in Kamloops South Thompson for a lark -- I am running because I believe I can win."

Former Kamloops City Councilor Peter Sharp; now
seeking BC Conservative nomination in Kamloops South

Today we have another guest piece ... this time from Peter Sharp, who is seeking the BC Conservative party nomination for Kamloops South Thompson.

In BC's  39th provincial general election, three and a half years ago, a shockingly large number of registered voters decided not to go to the polls. 

Right here in the Kamloops South Thompson riding there were 40,200 registered voters -- however only 23,400 actually did cast a ballot.   

And across the province?  Well in 2005 the BC Liberals received 807,000 votes ... that fell to 750,000 in the last election held in 2009.  A similar pattern shows for the NDP who received 730,000 in 2005 ... but only 690,000 in 2009.   

Voter apathy continues to grow, and I can see only one reason for that; a increasing belief that government no longer responds to the real needs of its citizens, and that elected officials are only out for themselves.  

Over the past 20 years, British Columbian's have witnessed both NDP and BC Liberal governments mismanaging our finances.  

We need a change!  We need commons sense, integrity and accountability in government.

I support party Leader John Cummins, and  the common sense, people oriented, ideals of the BC Conservative Party.  I also believe that we can once again make our province a place where individuals, and families, can grow and prosper.

Winning by default is nothing Adrian Dix and the NDP should be happy with; if they are, shame on them. Shame too, on us, if we allow that to happen.

I wonder how many people happen to have seen a Letter to the Editor, “And speaking of politics” written by Lloyd Atkins of Vernon, that was in todays (09/10/12) edition of the Vancouver Sun?

For those who have not, here it is re-printed in its’ entirety:

If any BC Liberals were clinging to the fantasy that British Columbians would refuse to dance with the socialist horde, then the provincial election results in La Belle Province must come as a shock. Quebecers put the Parti Quebecois separatists at the top of their dance card and everyone knows they are much spookier than the NDP. There is a lesson here for Premier Christy Clark and her disintegrating party. Voters are willing to take a calculated risk to repudiate and punish dishonest and incompetent leaders.

The people of Quebec have decided waltzing with Pauline Marois' separatists is worth the gamble if they can rid themselves of Jean Charest and his corrupt gang of Liberals. The people of B.C. seem more than eager to tango with Adrian Dix's socialists if they can rid themselves of Christy Clark and her inept gang of Liberals.

Marois must realize she is only get-ting a chance to be premier of Quebec by default. Dix must already know he will become premier of BC by default. His New Democrats will only win the election next spring because frustrated British Columbians want to kick the Liberals out.

The underlined text was done by me --- and for good reason; if the New Democrats win next year’s election, it will be by default ONLY.  The majority of people in BC do not support the policy and ideals of the NDP, they simply see no other viable choice or option.

There is in fact an option however; but it is one that in the coming months MUST get past internal squabbles, and present a united front, with strong policies, and a quick and easy to understand platform.  That option is the BC Conservative Party.

It will be incumbent on members of the BC Conservatives (of which I am one), to come out of the AGM being held September 22^nd in Langley, united.

Policy is the stuff that pundits, media, and those of us who are political junkies, feed on.  It is not however what most voters take the time to read – never mind understand.

IF BC Conservatives wish to have a chance at forming government following next Springs General Election, we will have to provide voters with the broad strokes of policy in a way that can easily and readily be understood.  

I myself have been guilty of boiling this down to the lowest possible description of what we stand for --- fiscal conservatives with a social conscience.  

Both of these men (Peckford and White) bring a huge amount of experience to this important election preparedness position

I was delighted to hear an announcement today, from BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins.

Brian Peckford, announced to BC Conservative Party "Issues"
Management" committee in preparation for 2013 Provincial Election

Randy White, previously a British Columbia Member of Parliament, Caucus Chairman and House Leader - and Brian Peckford, the former Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador -- have both been named as Co-Chairs of a newly-created Issues Management Committee.

They will be looking at issues and policies for the party, as it prepares for the up-coming General Election in May of next year.

The media release from Mr. Cummins noted that:

Randy White first won election to Canada’s House of Commons in 1993, representing Langley and Abbotsford , and he was re-elected in 1997, 2000 and 2004. He wrote the legislation for the National Sex Offender Registry and the National Victims Bill of Rights both of which are, in part, law today.

Brian Peckford served as a Conservative Member in Newfoundland’s House of Assembly from 1972 until 1989. He held a number of posts in the provincial cabinet from 1974 to 1979, and then was Premier for a decade before leaving elected politics for the private sector.

Former MP Randy White - on new BC
Conservative Party committee

Both of these men bring a huge amount of experience to this important election preparedness position, and will be well able to advise the party during the lead-up to next May’s campaign. 

As John Cummins said:

“I am thrilled that Randy and Brian – who between them held senior public office for 30 years – have agreed to play important roles on our campaign team.  Their knowledge and experience will be invaluable in electing a Conservative government next May.”

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

To not do so will only condemn us to more of the same

Have you asked the question, "Will you become
a member of the BC Conservative Party?"

Several weeks ago I sent an email to several people who were not members of the BC Conservative Party – that I believed would be concerned about where we are headed in the next General Election.

Today I decided to follow up with them … here is what I had to say.

The next general election is just a little over 10 months away, and given everything that has happened over the past year, it is becoming more and more apparent that the BC Liberal Party will not win re-election. 

More and more, people are turning to the BC Conservatives, as a choice that will offer not just a commitment to being fiscally responsible ... but also to accountability, integrity, and respect.

We need all hands on deck to ensure the NDP do not win the next election, and that is why today I am asking directly for your support by becoming a member, and by offering whatever expertise and experience you have to help us build a strong campaign ... and support team.

In my honest opinion the BC Liberals have shown, over and over again, that they have not earned the votes of British Columbians ... and they will not get them next May.  There is an alternative however; that alternative is the BC Conservative Party.

Now … upwards and onwards to the next general election

Over the past several months, I have had a number of people ask, and suggest, that I seek the nomination to become the BC Conservative Party candidate for Kamloops South Thompson.

This is something I had been considering for some time, and to have the affirmation of friends and party members, who felt I would be a good representative for our riding, has been very much appreciated.

I wish to let you know that, as much as it is my desire to move forward, and seek the nomination, I am unable to do so at this time. 

There are a number of factors for this decision; however this has now enabled me to take on a new role within the Kamloops South Thompson Constituency Association.  Along with two time federal Reform Party candidate Fred Bosman … and Ted Joslin (who has been involved in federal and provincial politics for many years … we will head up the constituency associations Candidate Search Committee.

Our job will be to look into, and talk with, potential candidates to represent the BC Conservative Party in our riding.  We are also seeking your input in this matter as well. 

Those four things stand out to me, as having clear direction … a vision so to speak … of what government should do, and the role it should play in our society

I woke up on Sunday evening with the word “Vision” going through my mind.  Of course it was attached to something that is often on my mind, which is politics.  I believe that in BC we have suffered from a lack of elected officials, and leaders, that have had a real sense of vision on what our province can be for us, and the future it can hold for our children and grandchildren.

But first … what does the word ‘vision’ actually mean?  Here are just a few descriptions:

• a thought, concept, or object formed by the imagination
• the act or power of imagination
• mode of seeing or conceiving
• unusual discernment or foresight (a person of vision)

Each of the three main political parties in BC has a vision of how they would govern – and if you are interested you can see what they have to say by visiting their websites.  The one that has resonated for me has been the direction, and vision, presented by the BC Conservative Party.

The first four guiding principles of the BC Conservative Party say it will be guided by the following principles:

1. A belief in clearly defined public policies and programs that are affordable and effective and for which delivery is accountable to all the people of British Columbia.
2. A belief in managing the government to the highest standards of integrity and transparency and British Columbians are entitled to full knowledge of services rendered and their costs.
3. A belief in the rights and responsibilities of all British Columbians and that Governments at all levels are responsible to serve and respect all individuals and their families, including freedom from unnecessary laws and regulations and excessive government.
4. A belief that Members of the Legislative Assembly are primarily responsible to represent the interests of their Constituents.

Those four things stand out to me, as having clear direction … a vision so to speak … of what government should do, and the role it should play in our society.

ELECTIONS BC: Chilliwack-Hope and Port Moody-Coquitlam By-elections Called for April 19, 2012

The following media release was sent out by Elections BC 0on Thursday March 22, 2012.  While we all know the by-election has been called, and who is running, this release contained more details on the mechanics of the by-elections:

VICTORIA – By-elections will be held on Thursday, April 19, 2012 to elect Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for the Chilliwack-Hope and Port Moody-Coquitlam electoral districts. The seats became vacant when Port Moody-Coquitlam MLA Iain Black resigned on Monday, October 3, 2011 and Chilliwack-Hope MLA Barry Penner resigned on January 9, 2012.

“British Columbia offers voters an accessible and flexible voting process, ensuring that all citizens who are eligible to vote are able to do so,” said Keith Archer, Chief Electoral Officer.

“Elections BC is committed to administering the voting process in British Columbia with the needs of voters in mind.”

Residents of the two electoral districts will be eligible to vote if they are 18 years of age or older on Thursday, April 19, 2012, (General Voting Day), they are a Canadian citizen and they have lived in B.C. for the past six months.

Is Terry Lake setting up a situation for an ‘honorable retreat’?

Environment Minister Terry Lake

INTERESTING NEWS from the Globe & Mail, in the form of a story entitled, “BC Liberals announce review of province’s carbon tax”.  In part it read:

The Liberals are not announcing a new schedule of increases in the tax beyond the one that ends in 2012.  But Mr. Falcon rejected a reporter’s suggestion on Tuesday that he is laying the groundwork for the demise of the tax.

“I wouldn’t make that leap,” he said at a news conference during the budget lockup.

Instead, he said the government has been proud to lead in addressing climate change through the tax.

“The issue is: four years on is the right time to review where we are at,” he said.

The minister added that he is especially interested in whether the tax is affecting economic competitiveness, especially in the agricultural sector, which faces competition abroad from rivals unburdened by such a tax.

Mr. Falcon said B.C. always expected other provinces and jurisdictions to adopt carbon taxes, leading to an “equalizing effect.”  But he said that has not happened, and B.C. is isolated.

Later in this story they went on to quote George Heyman, who happens to be BC’s Executive Director of the Sierra Club BC, saying that Falcon’s remark were basically a signal of the governments intentions.

“There’s no way to read the minister’s hints except that they’re definitely looking for a way to get out of the carbon tax,” he said.

Now just in case you have forgotten, BC’s Environment Minister is Kamloops North Thompson Liberal MLA Terry Lake. 

That makes it odd that it’s Kevin Falcon talking about, and discussing, what is happening with the Carbon Tax.  It is after all part of the government’s environmental green plan --- and that would make it is something which would be on the radar for an environment minister.

I for one believe that dollar figure will be one of many things voters will be keeping in mind when they head to the polls to elect a new government.

CKNW in a news story today (February 17) said that some people have told them they ‘aren't happy with the Liberals and their "Family First" initiative.’

They quoted one person who stated:

"I'm a single parent; I've got two kids and I'm trying to support them on a single income.  I'm paying so much tax, it's not even funny. I don't see my tax dollars going towards anything proper."

It is well fine and well to help trades and the construction industry -- and the provincial government is expected sometime later today to be giving relief to them -- but what about families already close to the point of financially breaking, that are being nickeled and dimed on purchases they make for their families, with extra tax imposed on them through the HST?

This includes the fees for organized recreation that helps kids stay healthy ... it includes HST on safety helmets they buy to keep children safe in various recreational activities (hockey, skiing, skate boarding etc) ... it includes the tax on the haircuts children get.

It includes an extra tax on bicycles that people use for both recreation, and in today's greener climate, to get to work ... it’s imposed on some school supplies ... on things to keep families safe in their homes like first aid kits and smoke detectors ...even families, already under stress with the death of a family member, pay extra due to the HST, on the funerals for their loved one who has passed away.

What is government?

What is government? 

That is a good question, and in light of rising discontent with our current provincial government in British Columbia, I found it interesting that some one sent the following to me the other day. They are the quotes of some very wise people, some from long in the past, and some from our own time.

All have spoken truth as to what government should be, but often times is not.

Government can be dictatorial – even in a democracy ... but above all else government, one that is based on democratic principles, should be accountable to the people who elect it.

Given the decline in support for Christy Clark, and the BC Liberal government she heads, I'll leave it to you to decide how many of the following are fitting for the government we currently have.

I have added one quote to those I received, and it is one I begin with it. 

It is a quote from (W.A.C.) William Andrew Cecil Bennett.  Bennett was the premier of our great province from 1952 to 1972, and a man who many people either loved and admired – or passionately hated. He was usually referred to as W.A.C. Bennett, others called him "Wacky" Bennett.

While this first quote is in reference to Canada ... I believe it is just as fitting a thought for our own province.

We are a young country; we must build on the solid rock of sound economic policies and balanced budgets. But, we must be prepared, as a nation, to step from the solid rock onto new ground. The path of ease, the path of tradition alone, is not the path of a greater Canada ~~ W.A.C. Bennett

Another day … another poll. What does it mean?

Yesterday saw the release of a new poll that shows the BC Liberals, led by Christy Clark, are in deep trouble and headed for defeat in the next provincial general election in 2013.  That is however nearly 16 months away, and a lot can change between now and then … it does however show a strong trend that has been developing over 6 consecutive polls by 3 different polling companies.

The following is a story by CKWX New Radio 1130, from this morning, which gives a brief overview of the results of that poll:

Yet another poll is showing the BC NDP could form a majority government after the next provincial election. One political analyst feels there's not much the premier can do to buck this trend.

"This isn't just one poll showing them behind the NDP; this is multiple polls showing them behind the NDP," explains Sean Holman.  While he believes any seat predictions at this point are premature, he believes the New Democrats are going to be very well-positioned going into an election.

Holman feels the Christy Clark government is having all sorts of problems associated with an  administration in its third term. "And is currently led by a leader who is new but has not been able to capitalize on that 'newness' in a way in which she probably would have liked."

"She rolled out her jobs plan late last year. That was supposed to give her some kind of traction with British Columbians -- that hasn't seemed to have worked," he adds.

The Forum Research numbers suggest 57 seats for the NDP, 20 for the Liberals, seven for the Conservatives, and Independent Vicki Huntington keeping her seat. Clark’s disapproval rating is at 46 per cent with Adrian Dix at 35.

I have been saying for some time now that the BC Liberals were NOT going to win the next election, and that the only hope to see the NDP NOT win, or at least be held to a minority, was to have the BC Conservatives on the ballot, and elected to the legislature. 

Until now, no poll had shown the BC Conservative electing ANY members, that is now beginning to change however, and I believe that numbers will continue to show the Conservatives gaining in strength, and with the likelihood of electing more members, the closer we get to the next election.

THAT HOWEVER is not based on any of the recent polls.  No ... the reason I say this is because of information that comes from a BC Stats study that was done in January 2010 entitled, “Motivations and Barriers: Exploring Voters Behaviour in British Columbia”

Here are a few things that I noted in this report:

Liberal backstabbing and intrigue in Vancouver Quilchena … and Vancouver Point Grey

Yesterday (March 15^th) former BC Premier Gordon Campbell resigned his Vancouver Point Grey seat, in the BC Legislature, after nearly two decades of service.

In a release to the media, Gordon Campbell stated, “It has been an honour to serve the people of British Columbia as an MLA, as the leader of the Opposition, and as premier.”

"There are few things more rewarding than serving in public life and I feel fortunate to have had such an opportunity to do so for nearly three decades in a province and a city that I love."

In 1994 Gordon Campbell originally won the Vancouver Quilchena riding in a by-election (with nearly 68% of the vote) after Art Cowie resigned for him in November of 1993. Thus begins a tale in intrigue, and backstabbing, that continues today.