Dear Editor:
Re: PR would boost power of fringe parties, punish ‘big tent’ parties
The Oct. 10 Osoyoos Times editorial was an excellent summary of the proportional representation issue.
Andrew Weaver, leader of the Green Party, has stated publicly that, “If PR is in place, the B.C. Liberal party would never get a majority again.”
Likely this is true, however by the same token, the NDP would never get a majority again either. And it could be possible that John Horgan would very much like a majority and have Andrew Weaver and the Green Party off of his back and allow the NDP to govern as they see fit.
This may be why the PR referendum is purposely convoluted, rushed and includes two PR systems completely untested anywhere in the world, to deter people from voting for the change.
It is likely that every last Green Party member is aware of the referendum and will be sure to vote in favour of PR.
The rest of the voting population may be less zealous. If so, BC’s voting system will be changed by a very small percentage of B.C. voters.
Jim Thornton
Osoyoos, B.C.
Don’t worry Jim, everyone is already so sick of the NDP and Greens at this point that PR doesn’t stand a chance.
By the way everyone needs to remember that if you choose FPTP in Question 1 of your ballot you don’t have answer question 2.
Doesn’t matter which answer you provide for question 1, you still do not need to answer question 2. Everyone needs to remember that, too.