I don't mind someone who changes their mind, based on new knowledge, that allows them to reassess their belief

Some folks have been wondering whats the deal with Preston Manning, and Christy Clark.  For those of us that were part of Preston Manning's Reform movement, we have been greatly puzzled, and felt betrayed, by what appears to be his endorsement of Christy Clark, who is a well known federal Liberal.

In fact, I had a brief conversation with a Liberal friend of mine.  Here is a part of that conversation.

FRIEND:
I believe that there may be a few things that have happened here. My best guess is that Preston realizes that at this point in time, the BC Liberals are the best choice to beat the NDP.

I also believe that it is possible for a person to change their political mind. I have spent time with Christy and had some really great discussions. From these discussions it is my belief that she holds close and true some very fundamental conservative values.

On another front, I must admit that I know little about Mr. Cummings during his tenure as a federal MP but the there is a question that nags at me. Why are so many of his past federal colleagues, PC /Reformer/Conservative, refusing not to support him and yet in turn support the Premier? There must be reasons? Would enjoy your thoughts on this.

I appreciate the sincerity of my friend, however I have to wonder exactly what "... she holds close and true some very fundamental conservative values" exactly means?  She has indeed verbalized some conservative values, however I have yet to see them actually be practiced.

As to support amongst former Reformers / Conservatives, I replied to my friend with these words:

Which BC leader would you hire to cut the lawn?

Today we have a guest comment / opinion piece from my friend, BC Conservative, and former MP Jim Hart.  An analogy, if you will, of lawn cutting, and BC Politics

Want it done right?  Click HERE for the manual 

Looking at the recent political party polls in BC, one wonders exactly what it all means to the average family, guy or gal when it comes to real life in BC. So I decided I would analyze the recent polls by adding a task that most British Columbians will face in the coming weeks. As the groundhog has haphazardly told us that spring is just around the corner, I pose the question: Which BC political leader would be the best person to hire to cut your lawn? Here's what the polls suggest.

BC Green Party – Jane Sterk, is the most unlikely to accomplish the job as she would want to pass legislation to make Kentucky bluegrass or Canada Green an endangered plant life.

Instead of cutting the grass we would all be transplanting our lawns and relocating them to a government nature site or new provincial park, where grass would be protected and allowed to grow in an effective government-supervised fashion. Cutting and trimming devices would have to be registered in a government database to protect innocent plant life.

Laurie Throness has his spin and talking points ready

Laurie Throness seeking Liberal nod

You have to enjoy the politcal wisdom of someone who has been there ... here are the comments of  former MP Jim Hart with regards to the announcement of Laurie Thrones seeking the Liberal nomination for Chilliwack-Hope

Congratulations to Laurie Throness for stepping up for the BC Liberal Party in Chilliwack. 

Laurie is not a small fry when it comes to politics, but he might have bitten off more than he can chew when he calls the actions and policy of the BC Liberal’s as “conservative friendly”.  As a rule, conservatives believe in smaller government, lower taxes, deficit and debt reduction and a strong criminal justice system.   

I defy Mr. Throness to show the voting public where he sees “conservative friendly” policy in the BC Liberal Party history since taking office in 2001. 

The Liberals have increased taxes and made government bigger. British Columbians are still suffering under the HST and the uncertainty caused by Liberal mismanagement on taxation and the economy. Maybe it is the reckless measures such as the carbon tax, and the new 2 cent per litre Lower Mainland gas tax that punish British Columbians every day that Mr. Throness believes to be “conservative friendly?” 

Justice has been delayed and denied under the BC Liberals

James Alexander Hart
Member of Parliament (1993-2000)

My work schedule means that I am going to have a few guest opinion pieces in the next week or two -- which you will likely / hopefully find a refreshing change of pace.  This first is coming your way today, and is from Vernon resident, and former Reform MP Jim Hart, and it is on the topic of the justice system.

BC will lose 2500 criminal charges soon … and delays getting drug dealers and criminals in front of a judge... means that justice has been delayed and denied under the BC Liberals.

Our Charter of Rights guarantee that those charged with a criminal offense, have the right to face their accusers in a reasonable amount of time. Our economy, largely due to the global recession and Liberal mismanagement, has resulted in an increase in criminal cases. 

The BC Conservatives, under John Cummins, have stated that our policy is for the RCMP/Police to be able to lay charges.  This will speed up the process at the front end, but we still will have a bottle neck in the courts.

The public will have their say about the confidence they have in the BC Liberal Government

Often times I will get comments from folks on things I have posted and written about on the Conservative Thoughts blog.  Today, with their permission, I'd like to share a few…

Well there was lots to think about on the political front, Alan, but what stuck in my craw the most was the fact that apathy is running rampant in BC. It doesn't matter if it's federal, provincial or a municipal election folks are staying home in droves.

I think people are sick of clichés and are looking for future politicians who will 'say it like it is', and be honest and up front with them before worrying about being 'politically correct'.  People want representatives who represent their constituents rather than political parties

... you asked … lol"

Sue Brown

Dear Alan,

The best of the year has to be the growth of the BC Conservative Party.

In my work overseas developing democracies I have learned that all donor organizations and countries, such as the United Nations, European Union, USA and yes even Canada encourage transition and developing democracies to adopt a multi-party political system.

Now there is a credible choice -- what a great Christmas present!

I recent days and weeks, I have written a couple of pieces, regarding recent polls showing the growing strength of the BC Conservative Party.  I for one have been delighted to see the continuing momentum, as more and more people look to see what alternative there is to the BC Liberals and the New Democrats.

A few people have emailed, and sent me a few notes, regarding what is happening politically, and so I thought I would share a few of them with you.  The first is from former Reform MP Jim Hart who said:

The recent pre-Christmas poll has indicated continued growth for the BC Conservative Party. It has also clearly shown declining support for both the Liberals and the NDP.

As indicated by this poll the Liberals use of attack ads against BC Conservative Leader, John Cummins has been a dismal failure. In fact, the strategy has had the opposite effect, boosting the support of the BC Conservative Party and leader John Cummins.

The other major issue exposed in this poll is that support for the NDP is declining.

Both BC Liberals and the NDP policies have proven detrimental to BC’s economy, and this history has buttressed the BC Conservative case that British Columbians have no appetite for either of these parties tax and spend policies.

BC Conservatives are offering tax RELIEF by conducting a complete review of taxes, licenses, fees and permits within 18 months of becoming government this will result in a prioritized list of taxes to be removed, reduced and amended.

It is time to support a party that will bring conservative values to the BC Legislature.

Jim Hart, Former MP 1993-2000

Resident of Vernon, BC

He was afraid of “splitting the vote” ... last night he signed a membership in the BC Conservative Party

Well I made comment for a couple of days, with regards to an article by Chantal Hebert, intimating it would be best if the west stuck with the BC Liberals.  That kind of rubbed me the wrong way, as most of you who read my Conservative Thoughts blog are well aware.

Others within the BC Liberals ranks however, have also been suggesting (?) that BC voters better not vote for any one other than them either.   What I find regrettable is that they have no real reason that we should “support” them … only that they will keep the NDP out of power.

WHAT KIND OF REASON IS THAT TO SUPPORT ANYONE?   Why would they not instead promote the positive things they have done to make BC a better place to live … work … and raise a family?

In the Fraser Valley media over the weekend was a story that former Chilliwack city councilor, and failed (third place) federal Liberal candidate, Diane Janzen  had decided she was now NOT going to seek the BC Liberal  nomination for the riding of Chilliwack-Hope.  She is the latest now to tell us how we should vote.

Janzen said: "A vote for the BC Conservatives is a vote for the NDP. Period. The right-of-centre vote has been firmly in the BC Liberal camp and it needs to stay there. . . . Whoever is chosen will have to make sure that person appeals to the right end of the spectrum."

So I ask again … WHAT KIND OF REASON IS THAT TO SUPPORT ANYONE?  

Former MP Jim Hart (standing), with now BC Conservative
Party leader John Cummins (R) and Paul Forseth (L)

Obviously I am not the only one this is rubbing the wrong way.  My friend, former MP Jim Hart, also thought of that statement as being negative as well.  He sent the following to me … and also gave me permission to share it with you:

Dear Alan … here is an exchange that I had with the Chilliwack Times. They want to print the rant that I wrote below. I thought you might like it. … Jim 

It's been a great Summer --- but now it's time to get back to work!!

For starters, I'd like to pass along a news story of another very experienced MP who will be seeking the nomination to run in the next provincial election under the BC Conservative banner --- it's Paul Forseth from New Westminster.  He sat as an MP for the Reform Party, Canadian Alliance, and Conservative in Ottawa between 1993 and 2006.

He joins another former Reform MP, Jim Hart who has also declared that he plans to seek a BC Conservative nomination --- and of course our party leader John Cummins.  From municipal ranks, provincial ranks, and federal ranks, we are assembling a great team of people that will be running as candidates-- and who will help guide us in the next provincial election.