A system of proportinal representation in the legislature offers
the best chance that all of the voters in BC will have a voice in
decision-making processes. Concerns that multi-party representation
may only confound attempts at providing good government are not
sufficient to withstand the need for having adequate representation
for all sectors of the voting public.
The present 'winner-take-all' system does not allow for large
segments of the population to have a voice in government and leads
only to further voter apathy. Backing away from a system that would
promote consensus building in government on the basis that it is
too difficult, or unworkable, is taking the easy way out. It is not
a simple matter to build consensus within any social organisation,
but this is what defines, for me, an exemplary quality in a
politician, i.e., one who is able to listen to various sides of an
issue, and, based on this information, make the best possible
decision. Someone who is in government to represent their
constituents should, as a matter of course, be exposed all points
of view and not choose a course of action based on simple-minded
ideological lines.
The possibility to form committees, commissions, etc., with members
elected from a wide variety of political leanings, that truly
represent the diversity of opinions and ideas of the people of this
province, is made possible by allowing this diversity to be
represented in the legislature through a system of proportinal
representation. We cannot be detered by a fear of complexity, we
must engage it and find our way.
Good government is one that is concerned with the public good, not
one that is run like a corporation. The opportunity to elect
members that recognise this, to have a voice in government for
those people in society who, up until now, have no voice in the
traditional political party apparatus, is very important. Those who
claim that this will only provide for slowing down, or obfuscating
poltical decion-making processes by giving to much time to special
intersest groups should examine what minority of the population is
best being served by our present system.
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