Bob Simpson: The government we deserve
There’s an adage that we get the government we deserve—it remains to be seen what that means for B.C. after this provincial election’s surprising outcome.
Those who took the time to show up and mark a ballot gave the B.C. Liberal Party a fourth mandate. While the premier has yet to obtain a seat in the legislature, her party’s clear majority gives it the right to govern this province for the next four years. I hope they’ll govern wisely, with humility, and with the needs of future generations in mind.
In Cariboo North and Cariboo-Chilcotin, voters chose to send government MLAs to Victoria. That puts these MLAs in the unenviable position of having no excuses but to deliver on their election promise to get the Cariboo-Chilcotin the resources we need to diversify our economy and address a host of social concerns. I wish both Coralee [Oakes] and Donna [Barnett] well, and I have no doubt they will work hard for our region.
Over the eight years I had the privilege of serving as Cariboo North’s provincial representative, I learned a lot about the people and communities that make up this riding; we live in a truly special part of B.C. I also learned a lot about how government does and doesn’t work, and I experienced firsthand that the way we do politics gets in the way of achieving good governance.
I leave office with no regrets and a heart full of gratitude: toward those who helped me represent our region to the best of my abilities, toward those who worked with me to raise the profile of key provincial issues, and toward those who put a great deal of time and energy into fighting for democratic reforms, including trying to get me elected as an Independent.
We will only get good government if we, as citizens, demand it between elections by engaging more fully in the democratic process and by holding our MLAs to account for every decision they make. In short, if we want good government, we’ll have to work for it.
Now that my time as an elected representative has come to an end, I’ll be rolling up my sleeves as a citizen to continue to work for a better democracy. I hope you’ll join me.
Comments
4 Comments
madame red
May 24, 2013 at 9:29am
Clark will blow the economy off like everything else and the LNG will never surface. BC economy is going to be hurting because voters get what they deserve including the little children who thanks to the Liberals are no strangers to abuse and poverty. I don't know about you Bob but no child deserves that kinda treatment just because they can't vote. Media helped picked its loser, Clark loses her seat and BC residents now have to hang on by the seat of their pants. Obviously something is seriously wrong when voters take to heart what is said by someone who they believe is not credible after 12 years of experience instead of an indiscretion 12 years ago, hardly seems logical.
good guys finish last
May 24, 2013 at 9:53am
Funny thing Clark went at Dix's character when his the reputation he has built over the years is that of good guy who wants to make a difference despite his mistakes in the past. There is no wonder Dix was voted in his community his creativity and smarts have helped community members get there needs met when the Liberals closed all doors. Much like you Bob good guys finish last especially when they get to good and want to help out the people and their environment. We need more good people in government and scientists too.
Does Dix own a time machine?
May 24, 2013 at 10:32am
22% of population voted and where motivated to vote because of fear of being back to the 90's when household debt was around 70% and real estate wasn't bubbling with a 30% projected household loss. In the 90's BC had the most disposable income across the country and there was no deficit. Clark has painted herself into a corner what's her plan B? Does Dix own a time machine? I would love to borrow it Ineed healthcare and am almost totally crippled without surgeries. I have been waiting on for two years and it hurts but that is the way it is with the Liberals. If ever a economy needed a money injection is now and put back the people's money into local economies because it will be desperately needed.
James G
May 24, 2013 at 1:58pm
If only people voted only on governmental reform, accountability and environmental concerns. They do care but they vote on jobs and taxes again and again. What proposals did the NDP float on job creation? Taxes? Debt? It was not a slaughter of NDP candidates but a mass suicide. I dismiss the whole mess. They hired a failed candidate to manage a non campaign where they sat on a huge lead and said squat. They deserved to lose. Can't help wondering if Carole James gender played any part in Mr. Simpson's open rebellion against her leadership. Now women hold both seats in the Cariboo and another is Premier. I disagree with Liberal policy and am saddened by thelack of accountability but it's still Girl Power!