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:

TAKING A BREAK ... for next 10 weeks

Greetings friends ...

I just wanted to let you know that with the BC Provincial Election just 10 weeks away, and the active role I am taking in the Kamloops South Thompson election campaign, I will be signing off for the next 2 and a half months.

As I am sure you are all well aware, I am very much involved with the BC Conservative Party.  This means I am joining to be taking an active role, as part of the team, putting in everything we can to see Peter Sharp elected.

Thanks for being part of the Conservative Thoughts journey -- I'll be back right after the May Provincial General Election.

Meantime, if you are a small 'c' conservative, I hope you will consider lending a hand in our campaign to elect Peter Sharp as our BC Conservative MLA for Kamloops South Thompson.  

We can use every person that has election experience -- those with office and management experience -- and those that can and will offer to take on a task they feel they can handle.

To find out more about Peter Sharps, campaign, please CLICK HERE.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops ... inviting you to not only follow the campaign ... but to be a part of it by joining the campaign team. 

PETER SHARP: BC Conservatives release "Spending Smarter" policy paper

"Change for the better, with how the Legislative Assembly operates, will only begin when individual MLA's can once again have greater say in the role of government."

BC Conservative Party candidate Peter Sharp

So said BC Conservative Kamloops South Thompson candidate Peter Sharp, after reviewing the parties just released position paper, "Spending Smarter".  

"For all intensive purposes, it honestly seems that our BC Liberal government has abdicated its' role in ensuring taxpayer financial resources are wisely spent."

"While the government would like us to believe this recently introduced budget is balanced, most are understandably suspicious." 

Highlights of the "Spending Smarter" policy paper include specifics on how Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLA's) can once again ensure taxpayers get full value for their money.  These will include: 

1) Allowance for a thorough look at the financial outlays of government before they are made. 

2) The creation of a Legislative Budget Office, with the role of providing independent analysis for MLA's, helping them with complex financial and economic data. 

3) An improvement to how the Fall sitting of the Legislature functions.  Rather than a focus on passing or amending legislation, the Legislature will instead have opportunity to review the expenditure of taxpayer resources by the government, Crown corporations, as well as schools, universities, colleges and hospitals.

"Ongoing deficits, and ever increasing debt, is a financial plague that must end.  Our Spending Smarter position paper will be the start of making that actually happen", concluded Sharp.

NOTE:
The BC Conservative Party "Spending Smarter" policy paper is available to review at: http://www.bcconservative.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Spending-Smarter.pdf

PETER SHARP: "This begins Day #1 as the BC Conservative candidate for Kamloops South Thompson"

Last night BC Conservatives, in Kamloops South Thompson, elected Peter Sharp to represent them in this Mays Provincial General Election.

Those of you in other areas of the province, or who may have been unable to attend last night meeting, missed a great meeting, and hearing the words of Peter. 

He has given me permission to print them for you and they follow.  First though, I thought I would share with you what he had to say online this morning:



Step one in seeking the nomination -- filling out the BC
Conservative Party nomination forms (42 pages!)

"This begins Day #1 as the BC Conservative candidate for Kamloops South Thompson. And it begins with news from a new Ipsos Reid poll that shows 24% of voters are now less likely to vote for the BC Liberals following release of the new budget. BONUS!"

Now, here is Peter's speech from last night.

Good evening fellow Conservatives, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen, and fellow nominee candidate Maria Dobi ...

 

My name is Peter Sharp and tonight I hope to become your candidate, for the BC Conservative Party, in our Kamloops South Thompson Riding.  Then with your support, encouragement, and assistance -- to become your MLA following the May General Election. 

 

About a month ago, BC Liberal MLA Terry Lake was quoted as saying:  “What we do see, as we get closer to election, is that people are understanding what the BC Conservatives are all about….”

 

My hope is that the Voters of our great province do indeed come to understand what we, as BC Conservatives are all about and what we believe in ... and what we hope to bring to the political stage in British Columbia.

 

Terry Lake tossed a generalized statement out -- one, which implied there is something to fear from the BC Conservatives.   He knows that his implied statement is completely without truth ... and the backroom manipulators of the BC Liberal Party know that as well.

 

In fact ... because WE BELIEVE IN BC ... and the people of BC ... I am proud to say that our beliefs, principles and policies differ greatly from the BC Liberal Party.

 

WE - as BC Conservatives - believe in clearly defined public policies and programs that are affordable, effective, and accountable to each one of you here tonight.  And I too believe that each and every British Columbian is entitled to full knowledge of all services government provides ... AND what they cost.

 

After all ... how else can we know if we are getting good value?

 

WE -- as BC Conservatives --  believe that our provincial government must operate with the highest standards of integrity and transparency.  And we as BC Conservatives also believe that governments at all levels -- including at the municipal level -- are responsible to serve and respect all individuals and their families. 

 

Peter Sharp speaking with members of
the media at the announcement he would
seek the Kamloops South nomination

As an elected councillor with the City of Kamloops, I have firsthand experience in knowing why our elected representatives should first and foremost represent your interests.

 

As a retired RCMP officer with 30 years of experience, I too believe in the BC Conservative Party's policy of law and order that focuses on the rights of victims ... and the protection of the public.

 

We as BC Conservatives have our feet planted in reality.  We need to have smaller government ... we need to encourage new enterprise.  Leadership at all levels (from teachers in the classroom -- to elected officials in Victoria) MUST encourage our youth ... parents ...  employees in the workplace ... and business leaders to dream big dreams.  We need to once again strive towards excellence and prosperity. 

 

These are not just motherhood statements ... these are statements that I too -- WITH YOU -- believe in.

 

If I have the opportunity to be your elected representative for the BC Conservative Party…. I will hold my party accountable to create an environment where good government and prosperity can be achieved.

Polls -- Support --- Nominating Candidates -- and YOU

In spending some time online this morning looking over news stories, and comments from political commentators, I came across two things of note:

1) The new EKOS Politics / iPolitics.ca poll shows the strongest age demographic, with support for the BC Conservatives, is the "Family Raising" age bracket of 25 to 44 ... with those who are retired (65+) being the next strongest age demo. 

The poll also shows that timing is now crucial.  It indicated support is increasing again, and has gone from 11.4% late last year, to now stand at 14.6%. This is the 3rd poll, in two weeks, where I have seen showing support growing once again

2) Another reason why small 'c' conservatives can - and should - support the BC Conservative Party is found in a blog post from political commentator BC Iconoclast. 

This morning part of his post stated; "The media story is that she (Allison Redford) pulled off a dramatic change of fortune for her party. If she can do it, so can Christy Clark is the argument. I do not think this example applies in BC for a number of reasons ..."

His opinion piece is short and to the point, and so I would certainly like to encourage you to read it (http://bciconcoclast.blogspot.ca/2013/02/cold-christy-clark-pull-of-win-like.html)

Right now we need every member and every supporter to lend a hand, in whatever way they are able (including simply offering encouragement), so that we go into the 30 day campaign period strong! 

Volunteer to help -- make a donation to the campaign -- get your friends and neighbors to think about supporting and voting for us.  The bottom line is we simply need you to do whatever you can.

For those of you who are BC Conservative Party members, in the Kamloops South Thompson riding, this is what you need to know is most important. 

Right now we need you to beb there at the nomination meeting (Thursday February 21st) to cast a vote for the candidate you believe will best represent us here in the Kamloops South Thompson riding. 

Again the meeting is at 7pm at the Old Yacht Club on River Street. Come hear what your nominee candidates (Maria Dobi and Peter Sharp) have to say ... ask them your questions. 

If you require a ride to attend, just call and we'll be happy to get you there.  IF you are unable to attend, please call or email so we can get a Mail-In ballot to you.

We are BC Conservatives ... We Believe in BC!


FOLLOW-UP:
Since posting this earlier, I received a comment by email that I thought I would share and pass along to you:

Alan, that's my story.  I am in that age bracket and many of my friends are worried about our future in BC.  Low paying jobs, high cost of living and a government that spends taxpayer money like it was from their parents trust fund.  I even hear stories that people don't want to have kids because they won't be able to afford it. 

I wasn't drawn to the party because it was an OWG club.  I was drawn to it because of the principles the party stood for.  I think this is what we need to push out everytime we hear of the OWG criticism.

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.

BC Conservatives in Kamloops set to announce first nominee candidate

Hello again friends .. today I pass on the media release which went out yesterday to radio, newspaper, and TV in Kamloops:

Monday.  That's when Kamloops South Thompson BC Conservative Party members will find out the name of the first person, who will be seeking the nomination to run as their candidate, in next May's provincial general election.

"We have spoken to a number of people over the past few months about running for the party", said Regional Director Alan Forseth.

Forseth continued, "This individual does have previous political experience, and will be well known to the people of Kamloops."

"We also expect they will be the first of several, to put their name forward, which is why we will continue to speak with other interested men and women."

"Anyone who believes in open and accountable government, and truly representing the people who have elected them, are welcome to seek the nomination", Forseth concluded.

Monday's announcement will be made at 12 noon in Gaglardi Square, on Seymour Street, in Downtown Kamloops. 

Kamloops South Thompson BC Conservative members will vote, to elect their candidate, early in the new year.

I'm looking forward to Monday -- hope you can join us for the announcement.

I'm Alan Forseth in Kamloops. 

The grey skies in Kamloops, and a brief shower, didn't dampen our spirits

What a great time this afternoon, at the Kamloops North and South Thompson Constituency Associations Get-Together and Bar-B-Que, at Juniper Ridge Park.

It’s too bad the sun waited till we were wrapping things, before making an appearance, but the grey skies and a brief shower didn't dampen our spirits.

Nearly 4 dozen members and guests came out and had the opportunity to meet, and speak one on one, with BC Conservative MLA John van Dongen.

Also joining us was Tom Birch, nominee candidate in the Shuswap riding, and Maria Dobi who ran as a candidate in Kamloops South Thompson, for the BC Conservatives, in the last provincial election.

We'd especially like to thank four of our guests who joined the party today ... welcome Hazel, Lorna, Marisa, and Bill!

We hope you can join us … and bring along a guest

You Are Invited …

BC Conservative Party
MLA John van Dongen

The Kamloops North and South Thompson, BC Conservative Party Constituency Associations, invite you to join them at a Get-Together and Bar-B-Que for members and guests on Sunday June 24^th.

PLEASE NOTE ... DUE TO FLOODING IN RIVERSIDE PARK WE HAVE MOVED LOCATIONS.

Our Get-Together and Bar-B-Que will now take place in the playground area of Juniper Ridge Park, located at the top of Highland Drive (off of Valleyview Drive or the East Trans-Canada Highway in Kamloops).

We'll be there between 4 and 7pm -- just watch for the signs.

BC Conservative MLA John Van Dongen will be our guest, and he’ll be taking the time to meet and visit with us, talk about the party, and answer any questions you may have.

We'll be grilling up hamburgers and hotdogs, and we’ll also have chips and soft drinks on hand.

We hope you can join us … and feel free to bring along a guest

Please RSVP to:
Alan at (250) 374-6196

Ed at (250) 372-7222

Don’t forget to bring your lawn chair