Dear Editor:
The upcoming provincial election is on many people's minds and covered in most papers as a two-party race with the "fringe" parties getting little consideration (at this point).
There are many people who aren't sure how to cast their vote this time: go with the devil they know or jump from the frying pan into the fire?
There is another option - an independent.
Regardless of which party wins, party backbenchers can be totally ineffective when it comes to influencing government decisions and are unable to publicly speak out against party decisions.
Wouldn't it be great to have a MLA who could speak in the legislature on what New Westminster constituents want rather than tell us what a party wants us to accept? Where the caucus was you and me?
An independent is not held to party politics but rather could form an alliance with any party on issues where there is consensus of the constituents or speak out against when necessary. Let's not forget the important position independent Chuck Cadman held in 2005 on a confidence vote forcing a tie in the House of Commons on the budget. He voted the way his constituents wanted.
I believe that an independent candidate would be something well worth considering for New Westminster voters this election.
Susan Wandell, via email
