On those occasions when Citizen Assembly representatives
are interviewed on television there doesn't seem to be
any mention or discussion on the matter of contributions
to political parties. The present system has this
serious flaw in that almost without exception the party which gets
the most special interest money stands the best chance of winning
political office. To say the least it certainly corrupts
the present electoral process.
One would have to be naive to think this doesn't play
a major role in putting a given candidate, or party into
office. Is it any wonder then that we have such
voter apathy? Everyone knows that the Corporate sector
contributes to candidates that will serve their own
interests as does Labour Unions.
So, how do the people of BCget a representative government
untainted by political contributions which only serve
the interests of the contributor?To start with there
should, by law, be no contributions from any source, not
from corporations, not from unions nor individuals.None.
Now, those running for political must have funds to do
so and the following is suggested: for every income tax
return submitted in B.C. an equal fee would be assessed,
each year, the total of which would be used to finance
all who run for political office, taking into account
size of riding etc.
On the surface this would appear
expensive -- and probably so -- but it would be the
people of B.C. electing candidates to govern not " bought for
" candidates whose interests are those of his/her
contributor only. Until the practice of " buying a party
into office" is
corrected, Population/Representation and the
valiant efforts of the Citizens' Assembly will continue to have the
present problem to good government. And
isn't this what you, the Citizens' Assembly, are
attempting to do?
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