Editor:
As our elected MLA for Delta I appreciate hearing Ian Paton’s perspective on political events. If his opinion article (Optimist, July 26) is an example of that information sharing, then I would have to say thanks, but no thanks. The tone of the piece was simply mud-slinging with cries of Liberal good, NDP bad.
To show true leadership, politicians must demonstrate there is more to them than just the automatic gainsay of the other side. Have our politicians become so comfortable with dictatorial, sorry, autonomous rule that they have forgotten how to debate and compromise? Perhaps it excellently demonstrates why we need to encourage having more than just two main parties in this province and why, as the electorate, we should be voting for them whether they can win or not.
Mud-slinging is harmfully divisive, which leads to voter confusion and apathy. The title of the opinion column “Delta has been forgotten by NDP” is quite frankly, needlessly alarming. The people of New Westminster, who typically vote NDP, were waiting at least a decade for a new secondary school and a replacement Pattullo bridge under the last Liberal government and now with the NDP in power, funding is available. The fact that both major parties demonstrate political favour is deplorable in this day and age and must change.
So Delta is not being ignored by the NDP Mr. Paton, but in the era of juvenile tit for tat politics should we expect more? Yes we should.
As my MLA your opinions and especially your vision for the future of Delta matter to me and I would like to read more on that issue. I would also appreciate reading and hearing your opinions on how you would encourage young people to get out and vote, perhaps also how climate change is affecting the farming community in Delta. Just please, no more mud-slinging or divisive politicking, as that will never win you my vote.
Gavin Wishart
