Editor:
This provincial election we owe it to ourselves and to future generations to be informed about the economic issues and policies that keep B.C. moving forward.
A good look at what mining and mining exploration do for communities and average families throughout BC is at www.votemining.ca.
When I came across this website I was astounded by what I learned about this vital resource sector and its central role in driving prosperity in this province.
I also learned that we have achieved a good balance between environmental and economic considerations in B.C. and created a climate that fosters investment.
This results in well paying jobs and economic activity that, in turn, support a vast range of small businesses across the small business sector.
Take a look for yourself and see how the mining and mining exploration sector touches your life and your community and then support a candidate that supports mining and exploration in B.C. for all of us.
Julie Thony
Quesnel
Editor:
In his most recent column, our current MLA, Bob Simpson, continues his usual rant against political parties, this week condemning the pre-election use of tax payers’ dollars to promote a political agenda.
Good point, Bob, but it was just a few days ago that voters in Cariboo North received a glossy pamphlet from Bob Simpson’s office embellishing his record as an MLA and outlining his platform.
This “pre-election partisan advertising” was paid for by our tax dollars. It seems pretty hypocritical to me. I believe the problem isn’t political parties themselves, but what I feel is the questionable tactics of some politicians.
Janet Allen
Quesnel
Editor:
The 2013 provincial election presents a challenge for voters in Cariboo North.
Coralee Oakes may be a worthy individual, but by running for the decrepit B.C. Liberals she has chosen to buy a ticket on the Titanic after it hit the iceberg.
It is doubtful the party will even exist under the same name by next election!
“Independent” Bob Simpson is intelligent and articulate but would better serve the public as a political science teacher or media commentator.
Bob had no problem using the NDP brand and local volunteer organization to get himself elected, but has since burnt his bridges and made some nasty comments about the party, including those who helped him become an MLA.
Those who worked to get Bob elected, and the people of Cariboo North, did not work for nor vote for Bob as an “Independent”
Had he really been standing for principles he should have resigned his seat and run in the ensuing by-election.
Bob marches to his own drummer and I question whether his positions really are drawn from his constituents or spring solely from his own mind. Many constituents have found him unresponsive to their concerns and communications.
He will have a tough time getting attention from an NDP government after being so hostile and scornful over the past two years. Duncan Barnett has deep roots in the Cariboo, experience in and understanding of many of our main industries. He has spent many years listening to and representing the concerns of this region and has been an attentive and responsive listener.
A provincial government is a huge entity with so many areas and issues to deal with that it requires a large group working as a team to cover everything involved. That’s why we have political parties!
Duncan has a great sense of humour and the ability to laugh at himself, rare among politicians.
He understands the
need to be a “team player.”
He has made a real effort to make himself available to those who have questions or concerns. I believe he will be a great representative for Cariboo North in an NDP government.
Stewart MacKenzie
Quesnel