Dear Editor:
Re: Support Clark in leading B.C., Letters, The Record, Feb. 8.
I'm afraid that politics in B.C. tends to be a little deeper and a little messier than Diane Walters makes it out to be. The unenviable job of provincial premier is a challenging and demanding job, which requires more qualifications than simply being a male or a female. If one follows such "logic," then which leader candidate did Diane vote for in 2009?
What about local candidates? Many people have sincere doubts and questions about whether Premier Christy Clark possesses all the qualifications and leadership qualities.
The fact that women are "not getting a fair shake" in some competitions does not mean everyone must unconditionally vote for the woman, regardless of how many questions and controversies remain unanswered.
Every new party leader carries a certain amount of "baggage" from her predecessors and must, without fail, chart an unerring course between distancing herself from the previous controversies and not alienating the necessary allies and supporters who have been close to the predecessors. No doubt, many voters remember the controversies, and critics will refresh the memories of all. She cannot afford to be seen as just another follower of the old ones, and yet cannot afford to risk splitting up party support with sudden drastic changes (not to mention a change of government, which her opponents would welcome.)
Many voters remember the incredible cost overruns for a stadium and the claims that the deficit would only be a fraction of what it turned out to be, and the controversial harmonized sales tax which, if known before the 2009 election, could have prevented the incumbents from winning. This was rationalized as "political craft," but most voters seriously question the ethics of "crafting" claims and denials before the election, then suddenly surprising voters within a month.
When the government awards contracts to overseas builders and makes similar controversial decisions, I don't see how such high numbers of jobs will be created for the younger members in B.C.
Frankly, I'm skeptical of claims about unverified high "job numbers" with no specific information. Doubling tuition fees and multiplying student debt load is not very encouraging for struggling students trying to qualify for the more specialized demanding jobs. So much for the hopes of the younger members of our society.
We have already seen what the B.C. Liberals can do - for 12 years. What we need is a change from all of this.
Terry Hilmar, New Westminster
