Editor:
Re: MLA shouldn’t tell constituents how to vote, letter to the editor, Oct. 25
I was surprised to see a letter from Nico Condonopoulos outlining his frustration that as an MLA, I would dare to share my opinion on the issue of proportional representation.
My office in Ladner is run in a completely non-partisan manner. I serve all of my constituents whether they agree or disagree with my views, and work to respond to any issues they bring forward in a timely and effective manner.
Meanwhile when I’m at the legislature in Victoria, I participate in debates on a variety of issues and policy matters. I have a responsibility to gather and analyze information and share it with my constituents. This may include expressing my personal views on how constituents may be affected by government decisions.
The fact is, MLAs are free to express their opinions on a variety of local and provincial matters. When it comes to proportional representation (PR), I have presented my view that this electoral system contains a number of flaws and outcomes that I am deeply concerned with.
A number of my fellow MLAs on all sides of the house — including the premier — have publicly shared their thoughts on PR as well, including which system they support.
If the letter writer is really concerned with actions that are “anti-democratic,” then he should examine the referendum process and the way it has been unfairly skewed in ways that benefit the NDP and Green Party, to achieve the outcome they are looking for — namely, a change to a PR system.
They have lowered the threshold for voter approval to the lowest level possible (50 per cent); removed a regional threshold that takes into account B.C.’s unique geography, a move which will diminish rural voices; and failed to provide adequate information, including riding maps, to voters.
I will not shy away from stating my opinion that British Columbians deserve better than that.
Ian Paton
Delta South MLA
