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Gov is a battlefield

Editor: I haven’t decided who to vote for yet, so I attended the South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale all-candidates debate at the Star of the Sea on April 20.
Election signs on the corner of 20th and 148th have all been vandalized
The only thing hit harder than some federal political candidates has been their campaign signs in public areas.

Editor:

I haven’t decided who to vote for yet, so I attended the South Surrey-White Rock-Cloverdale all-candidates debate at the Star of the Sea on April 20.

I dread this upcoming election. The Canadian political scene has become mean-spirited in the last few years. I find the attack ads on television stressful to watch, and should not be part of Canadian culture, especially those running before an election is called.

I consider myself a moderate. Going in, I had an idea who I might vote for, but was surprised that my position shifted during the debate.

There were nine candidates: three independents and six representing political parties. I respected the integrity and passion of several of the independents. They have nothing to lose, however, since this riding is not likely to send an independent to Ottawa.

Another candidate did nothing but bash incumbent Russ Hiebert’s record and had trouble defining his own party’s platform. Hiebert kept to his party’s line, and gushed with all the great things it has done. He successfully avoided a question about personal gain.

Of the nine, I was most impressed with Susan Keeping (NDP) and Larry Colero (Green party). Both were well prepared, spoke well and offered a view of the future I could respect. As a baby boomer, I worry about health care and the state of the environment, which both of these candidates addressed well.

The question I have: is this riding so entrenched with the governing party that there is no room to consider a change? I am personally embarrassed that our country faced the contempt-of-Parliament issue.

I have narrowed my voting options, thanks to the debate. Clearly, I believe it is time for a shift.

Stephen Walmsley, White Rock

• • •

The election is soon upon us and people are talking of Harper, Iggy, Layton et al, but you are not voting for them. It is local candidates that represent the riding.

We have Russ Hiebert presently misrepresenting us – this person who was lacking a backbone last election and was frightened to attend an all-candidates meetings, and later on would not go to his own constituency office as he feared a group of seniors picketing there.

He is a man who doesn’t back away from blowing taxpayer money to improve his career or travels. He is a man who really does little for this riding.

I am not saying vote for anyone in particular – anyone else will do. To vote for him is to reward someone who, if working in the private sector, would have been fired long ago.

Let us do just that. Then he most likely will return to wherever he parachuted in from.

Raoul Carriere, White Rock

• • •

Liberal candidate Hardy Staub’s challenge to Conservative incumbent Russ Hiebert sounds as though he’s the first one to ever listen to constituents to find out what they really want.

Hiebert has listened to his constituents. Some issues upon which we as constituents agree are those pertaining to traffic safety and efficiency, sports and leisure programs and seniors.

An unknown fact is that Hiebert approached both Surrey and White Rock councils, asking them what their needs were, what could he do for them. We are the beneficiaries.

I’m pleased to finally see the cable barrier along Highway 99. I’m not sure if the treacherous Pattulo Bridge already has this cable barrier but I’m pleased to see we in South Surrey do.

All the construction at the border crossings means expansion of commercial- and bus-processing capacity. Those long wait times are becoming a thing of the past.

Several million were spent on cycling/pedestrian overpasses and bicycle paths throughout Surrey, resulting in safety and efficiency.

What about White Rock? Over half a million was used to construct sidewalks and pedestrian crossings and to improve sidewalk facilities – important in light of the number of seniors and scooters in the area.

Money was spent to retrofit the dining hall at beautiful Kwomais Point Park; the White Rock Museum and Archives revitalization project; plus upgrades at arenas and curling rinks here and in Cloverdale.

What about seniors? Money was spent on the Kent Street Activity Centre, 86 assisted-living units at Evergreen Heights as well as the Czorny Alzheimer centre.

I realize this is comprehensive and long. And there’s much more. It’s proof that in recent years, Hiebert has accomplished much for constituents

Mr. Staub, do you really think you can do better?

M. Penner, Surrey

I went to the all-candidates meeting the other night – and it changed my vote!

I was going to vote Liberal, as I have done for most of my voting life, but after listening to all the candidates, I changed my vote.

I even stopped by the NDP campaign office the next day and offered my volunteer services.

Yes, at 70, you can change your vote. Change is good and more people should try it instead of always voting the way their parents did, or their husband does.

I found Susan Keeping to be direct and authentic;  every one of her responses was clear, articulate and persuasive, without once attacking any one of her opponents, unlike the Liberal candidate’s approach.

I, for one, am tired of old-boy, attack-style politics.

I was also impressed by Larry Colero of the Green party. But what I want to know is, surely there is enough common ground between the NDP platform and the Green party platform that they could someday sit down and come together and form one party and stop splitting the left vote such that it puts the Conservatives back into power every damn time.

My change of vote and allegiance came down to style. I am ready for change, and I believe Keeping presented the change of style this community and this country needs.

Marg Milan, White Rock

• • •

It’s extremely hard to decide who to vote for in this area of South Surrey and White Rock.

First, we have Russ Hiebert, who I have trouble finding out where and what he has done for me, one of his constituents. So many issues especially about the BNSF that he could have jumped in on and taken a stand or at least started a process into seeing what our leaders can do for the many citizens that are effected in so many ways.

Then there is Hardy Staub, whose main goal is to get the Amtrak to stop in White Rock. I think most people around here would feel much better if Hardy was to target on getting the BNSF right out of this area and put together a comprehensive plan on turning the tracks into an incredible seawall walk like Stanley Park.

The biggest thing, however, that effects me is the collaboration between the NDP, Liberals and the traitors and treasonous one-province party from Quebec. It’s like being in bed with the enemy.

So maybe I will just vote Green party or hold my nose and vote Conservative anyway. If there is a majority, at least Quebec and the ramblings that go with their politicians will be quieted down.

The best of everything would see the Conservatives get in with a majority but willing to take on good suggestions from opposing parties.

Brian Lauder, Surrey

• • •

My riding’s all-candidates meetings – both with attendances in excess of 200 – show the intensity of interest in the upcoming election.

Intensity, to the point of rudeness, was evident by the same candidates, as they expressed their criticisms of the Conservative candidate. Credit is due to those independent hopefuls who recognized the benefits to this riding. Many good concepts were also revealed by fresh minds.

What issues do you, the reader, have in priority for the next government? A civil Parliament? A stable government? A sound economy with jobs and a balanced budget? Health care, seniors’ needs and other social matters? Which of our candidates can effectively represent your personal concerns?

The matter of trust was frequently raised during the debate. Truth seemed to be gauged through the colour spectrum of the parties.

Can we, until e-day, be truthful to ourselves in our evaluation of the issues most dear?

Which candidate, which party, can best see Canada through still-fragile economic times?

(We are the envy of all other developed countries). The Conservative government asks for a majority to complete their proposed Phase Two of their Economic Recovery Plan. Is it better to give assent and challenge them at the end of their term? What is the alternative?

Webster’s Dictionary has a definition worth noting: “voluntary union of individuals or parties for a common cause”.  That is a coalition!

The mention of that word brought sneering, derisive calls from several in the audiences. The definition stands and, if the hat fits - wear it!

B.F. Ross, White Rock