ANOTHER day and another MLA decides to jump from the sinking ship that is the B.C. Liberal Party. On Tuesday, it was West Vancouver MLA Joan McIntyre who announced she won't be seeking reelection, saying she only ever intended to stay in politics two terms. We don't remember that as a highlight of her platform, but it dovetails nicely with the point at which the MLAs' generous pension plan kicks in.
The news wasn't exactly surprising. Rumours that McIntyre could step aside to make way for a new face in one of the safest Liberal seats in B.C. have been swirling for a while now. But if the polls are to be believed, whoever comes forward for the Liberals in West Vancouver is likely facing a few years in the purgatory of Opposition.
With that in mind, 12 Liberal MLAs have recently indicated a burning need to spend more time with their families. Most notable was Kevin Falcon, who had no problem running for leadership of the party with a young family, but suddenly saw the need for a timeout when faced with the prospect of the party's electoral shellacking.
In practical terms, the ability to represent constituents' interests is certainly made easier in government, when an MLA can at least count on a hearing by those who hold the purse strings. The latest string of resignations does raise questions, however, about whether representing constituents is the true priority of all candidates.
To their credit, the three local MLAs who've thrown their hat back into the ring know that - should they get reelected - they face a very different ball game.
