After two terms of serving Cariboo North, MLA Bob Simpson is running again – this time as an Independent.
“After eight years I believe our democratic system is broken and in large part due to partisan control,” Simpson said.
“It’s unnecessary and unhealthy.”
That’s why, Simpson said, he’s “seeing this through and giving people a choice.”
“I’m giving people a high-profile, reputable choice,” he said.
Simpson said he has proven independence gets things done, adding he feels he has a higher profile than the vast majority of MLAs.
“I have the opportunity to speak freely, while other members have to tow party line,” he said.
Simpson said many ask the question: Can an Independent MLA get it done.
“That’s the wrong question,” he said.
“The question should be, Can a party MLA get it done?”
Simpson noted a prime example is Cariboo Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett and the hotly debated HST.
“She was forced to vote for it every single time whether her constituents wanted it or not.”
Simpson said he has the utmost respect for his fellow candidates (Liberal Coralee Oakes and NDP Duncan Barnett) but said they will quickly learn their responsibility is to their party.
“Their job is not to represent their constituents,” he said.
“Their job is to represent their constituents. However, they have message boxes they have to stick to. They’re told how to vote in every issue in the
legislature, whether they agree or not.”
Simpson said as an Independent he is “able to advocate for policies and programs that will benefit all British Columbians, free from the constraints of affiliation with a political party or ideology.”
Because, he said, it comes down to democracy. While advocating for democratic reform, Simpson believes some of the following changes are necessary:
• Campaign finance reform;
• Free votes in the legislature;
• Empowering legislative committees; and
• Moving the fixed election date.
And the idea an Independent can’t be as successful for their region as a sitting government member is “simply an idea not supported by evidence” pointing to a provincial $4 million commitment to the Multi-Centre and a number of capital projects and road improvements.
Because, he said, it’s about being accountable to the entire population base and having the freedom from constraints of a political party.
“I’ve always brought a high-profile to the issues we need addressed,” he said.
“I’m involved with governance issues, not political ones.”
For more on Simpson, check out www.reelectbob.ca.
