Candidates in Tuesday’s (May 14) provincial election who are committed to connecting with voters this election campaign are knocking on doors. Lots of them.
At the doorstep it’s easy to sort out the candidates who are committed to their riding and those in the race just for a comfy chair in Victoria.
Simply put, good candidates know their riding.
Good candidates won’t speak in generalities, telling you health-care wait lists are unacceptable. They won’t debate the future of the carbon tax.
They also won’t speak of the need to boost our forestry and mining industries to ensure B.C. continues to enjoy the confidence of investors.
All are important issues, sure. But let the leaders sort that out.
Voters who really care how many dollars will be invested in this program or that program are free to study platforms of the parties, most of which lay this out on websites and campaign literature.
Besides, party leaders are trumpeting these facts throughout the campaign, which is dutifully followed by hordes of news media.
Local candidates who deserve support are ones who talk about issues facing constituents in Nanaimo’s three ridings – Nanaimo-North Cowichan, Nanaimo and Parksville-Qualicum.
When asked about education, good candidates will talk about the threat of school closures, class sizes and labour peace. When asked about health care, they’ll talk about overworked doctors and nurses, and overcrowding at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Some candidates running for election know their stuff because they care about their community. Others aren’t nearly as familiar with their potential constituents and what they can do to help them.
Hopefully, you were listening and have considered what kind of politician you’d like to represent your neighbourhood.
- Black Press