With the federal election only a matter of weeks away it would be a wise move for voters to pay close attention to what the candidates are saying (and not saying in some cases).
Some of the common threads in the comments made by the hopefuls are family, childcare and health care. These are universal issues present at every election. Nothing new there. The other local issues addressed are preservation of Avatar Grove and The Juan de Fuca Marine Trail, resources and the fishing and logging industry. Are these your top issues?
Troy DeSouza is all about the McKenzie overpass as this affects all residents living in the fringes. Is this a priority for people in Sooke? In some ways perhaps, as traffic congestion is a problem. Sooke people have a more serious issue with Sooke Road and access in and out of the town when the road is shut down. Perhaps our new MP, from whatever party, will put some pressure on the federal government to cough up some cash for another route to and from Sooke. Every promise costs money and it comes out of your own pocket.
Read what the candidates have to say with a critical mind because, as with most elections, there are plenty of promises made. One has to remember that what a candidate says is not what they can necessarily do. Party lines and policies are bigger than an MP’s wants.
“Unclaimed promises are like uncashed cheques; they will keep us from bankruptcy, but not from want.” Havergal.
The most important thing to remember is to get out and vote. The youth vote is one of the most important as they will have to live with the consequences a lot longer than the older folks. Make a decision based on who you believe would be the best representative, after all, you wouldn’t let your grandparents choose who you date, then why let them choose your government?
Voting really should be mandatory, then we would have true democratic representation.