Remaining your voice

During the 2005 election campaign, voters in Columbia River – Revelstoke asked himself or herself what kind of representative they wanted to elect.

For a great number of people, party affiliation is only a small part of their voting decision.  Instead, they judge the candidate on their vision and their record.

Columbia River – Revelstoke has traditionally voted with the government.  For the length of time that this constituency has existed in its current form, we have always been represented by a government MLA.

In May 2005, residents voted decisively against this pattern.  On May 17th, Columbia River – Revelstoke elected its first opposition MLA.

Why would local residents give up a seat at the government table?  Why would voters risk being ignored by government?

This is why: from 2001 to 2005, we discovered that having a government MLA wasn’t all that it was cracked up to be.

Having a Liberal MLA meant that Columbia River – Revelstoke, in fact, lost its voice.

When the government introduced reckless cuts to our health care system, our Liberal MLA defended the cuts.  When the government abandoned forest recreation sites, our Liberal MLA sided with Premier Campbell.

Time after time, the premier’s interests were placed above the interests of the people and our Liberal MLA stood in solidarity with the destruction.  But in 2005, voters rejected the notion that a MLA’s job was to be a mouthpiece for the Premier.

In Columbia River – Revelstoke, the 2005 election was about one issue: representation.  Voters decided that they wanted a strong voice that would speak out for our interests.

I want to thank you for the opportunity, as your MLA, to represent you in our provincial Legislature.  As we head into the fall, I want to reiterate my commitment to you.

I will continue to represent you, vigorously and clearly, and at every opportunity.  You can count on that.