Dear Editor:
Why is my MLA afraid to represent me by not confirming he will raise a caucus item? Just because he is a rookie MLA and may be ambitious, how does he know that he is really representing his constituents when he does not want to raise a caucus item on my behalf?
Like others on Bowen Island, along with those living in the coastal communities, and those who have families or homes or connections to the island(s), I am concerned about the recent service level cuts by BC ferries.
no?The liberal government was afraid to implement their BC ferry service level cuts before election as they did not want voter backlash. Granted, this is a smart political move; however, if any of the currently elected MLAs were to be living on Bowen Island, would they not feel differently - this is the question, no?
When I started my personal petition against the BC ferry service levels cuts on Bowen I thought I'd just get a few hundred signatures as I was canvassing on my own. As things turned out, although I have limited time and resources, approximately 1,300 Bowen Islanders of voting age signed my petition, and it will be presented to the B.C. legislature hopefully this month.
I have never been politically active nor have I ever started a petition. This time, however, the government has got "just" a little too far in its dictatorship leadership style, whereby only cuts are the name of the game; fairness does not even enter into their equation no matter what anyone else may state.
The message from Victoria is clear: all families do not count - only the families that live in highly populated areas whereMs. Clark's government is already counting votes they need to keep or obtain for reelection.Has Ms. Clarke or Minister Stone set foot on Bowen Island in recent months? I don't think so.Why are they not here telling us what great things the ferry cuts are going to do to us? Tell me why? She could get a photo holding baby while she is at it.
The funny thing - I'm embarrassed to admit - is that I voted Liberal, but this does not seem to matter as I am just one person.Something is wrong here with how our political system is. Am I stuck just hoping a NDP ferry critic in the legislature is enough representation?
Andrew Pietrow
Bowen Island
