Dear Editor:
I am a card-carrying B.C. Conservative.
I joined the party last year when it became obvious that the B.C. Liberals’ new leader, Christy Clarke, was failing to change the party’s fortunes.
I am telling you this because I want you to know what my own allegiances are when I tell you this: Next May, please vote B.C. Liberal.
As someone who, for a brief time, attempted to organize the Penticton riding association for the B.C. Conservatives and due to that role, was able to meet with John Cummings and other influential B.C. Conservatives a few times, I can no longer support this party.
The recent self-destruction of the party should tell you a lot about Mr. Cummings and the people who support him.
After speaking to him several times and failing to keep his interest in our conversation for more than (no exaggeration) 45 seconds each time, I really started to question who this man was and what his intentions and motivations are. I believe he is the wrong man for the job and recent developments solidify my belief.
In 1997, during the last NDP administration, due to the NDP’s taxation and economic policies, I, along with tens of thousands of others, were forced to leave our home and our province just to find a job. It took me 11 years to work my way back home to B.C., and now with the NDP poised to regain control of the B.C. Legislature next May, I fear I may have to pick up my family and move back to Alberta again. This is not fear mongering. This is reality. It happened last time, and it could very well happen again.
Mr. Dix recently announced he has no intention of balancing the provincial budget any time soon and has even promised he would eliminate the balanced budget law.
He has also announced he will increase taxes on business, the primary driving force behind job creation.
He has also announced he would increase the carbon tax.
All of these are punitive measures and will only do one thing: Hurt job and economic growth.
If you care at all about the economic future of this province and the ability for young people to stay and work in their own backyard, then I’m begging you; please don’t vote NDP. For all of the B.C. Liberals’ faults, they have far fewer of them than the NDP and the Conservatives.
Craig Bloom
Summerland
