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:

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

BC Politics This Week

The end of the week is approaching, and as I mentioned in an earlier post … I am back again after being lazy and taking the summer off (hey there has to be some time available so I can ride my motorcycle and have that family vacation time.

It has been an interesting week in BC politics as another high profile former Reform / Conservative MP has indicated he plans to seek a nomination for the BC Conservative Party … Christy Clark has finally indicated that she is not going to call an early election … there was news on the global warming front … and BC Ferries under the leadership of highly paid and highly pensioned David Hahn continue to bleed red ink.

Speaking of the highly paid executive at BC Hydro, you may wish to take a few minutes to look at the two following charts.  The first chart is from BC Stats and shows salaries for workers in BC across the main economic sectors … the second shows what is being earned by Public Sector CEO’s and top management people at BC Hydro, BC Ferries, ICBC, Powerex, etc).  Like me, I doubt if you will be pleased by what you see

Meantime … here are some of the stories that made political news in BC this week:

Premier campaigning too much, governing too little

… the halfway completion of a government project is rarely going to make headlines … still there was Premier Christy Clark on Saturday, surrounded by bridge builders and a politician or three, proclaiming herself "absolutely delighted" at the news that construction of "this magnificent structure" had passed the 50-per-cent mark.

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.