The hearings being held around the province are getting little
media attention, but we feel very strongly that they are very
important.
We must have better representation. Too many votes
are wasted. Too many people vote for second choices
because a vote for their first choice would be wasted.
Too many people don't vote at all because it wouldn't make any
difference.
I am extremely pleased that the assembly is making such progress
in its study of possible systems that would renew public
trust. I hope that the recommendation you will make
will make a change possible. The present system is
dysfunctional, and desperately needs improving.
Jane Jacobs recently identified "representation" as one of five
areas that need improvement if our society is to
survive. We are getting warnings from thinkers, as well
as seeing deficiencies in everyday problems such as medical
care. If as a society we cannot
adapt, and cannot change institutions that no longer fulfill their
function we will lose the wonderful society built for us by our
fathers and mothers.
The trouble is that if the assembly makes a recommendation, the
present government, with its back to the wall, will likely not give
its full support to any changes and the referendum
might fail to get public approval. A concerted effort
to publicize your results must be made, and we cannot depend on the
major media to do it if powerful forces are against change.
Good luck with your efforts. The strength and
survival of what we hold dear is at stake.
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