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(Published in the Chilliwack Times Dec 6, 2011) | |
A new chapter |
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Roughly a dozen years ago I stumbled onto a parttime, secondary career as a freelance newspaper opinion columnist. | |
I certainly wouldn't advise this to anyone hoping to pay the rent, but few undertakings can be as gratifying. | |
Over the years I've literally received thousands of e-mails from readers sharing their perspectives with me on the issues of the day. Some would clearly be unprintable in a family-oriented community newspaper. | |
But for the most part this feedback has been highly constructive and more than anything else, has given me a sense of what matters. Sure, the media, politicians and others attempt to set the agenda and identify the most pressing priorities. | |
But I firmly believe these institutions need to listen to the people more, as opposed to telling them what their needs are. | |
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It is with this thought in mind that I am seeking the B.C. Conservative nomination in the Chilliwack-Hope by-election. |
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Like many, I've always been somewhat cynical of politics and assumed I'd forever be on the sidelines. A member maybe. A volunteer or donor perhaps. But I could never see myself jumping on board with a political party and considering a run at public office. |
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Until now. I am convinced beyond any shadow of a doubt that the B.C. Conservatives offer precisely what the province needs. |
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I am also convinced that the leader, John Cummins, exemplifies the integrity and down to earth honesty that is so lacking in the political realm. |
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The Liberals are in free fall and haven't, by any stretch of imagination, earned a fourth term. The BC Rail scandal alone merits a trip to the penalty box. The deceit with which the HST was introduced was a disgrace and indicative of the contempt the Liberals have for hardworking, tax-paying British Columbians who play by the rules. |
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Having said that, a return to the NDP is not an option. Anyone who lived through the '90s - the lost decade in which the NDP drove jobs, investment and lifelong citizens from the province - will surely agree. |
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For me, the B.C. Conservatives are the only mainstream, common-sense option and I want to do all I can to help them form government. |
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This is the last Crime Matters I will be writing before taking an indefinite hiatus. |
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I am looking forward to meeting people and making new friends throughout the riding of Chilliwack-Hope as I seek support to become the nominee. |
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I can't thank the Chilliwack Times enough for providing me the opportunity to share my views with the community and let off a little steam from time to time. OK, maybe a bit more often than that. |
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I also am indebted to those who took the time to read Crime Matters and especially those who contacted me with their comments and response. |
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This feedback has very much been an inspiration in my arriving at this decision. |
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Clearly, much of the public has soured on politics. There is a significant lack of confidence in the political process and that is a problem - a serious problem. |
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I very much want to be one small part of the solution to that problem. |
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Please accept my kindest regards. |
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John Martin is a Criminologist at the University of the Fraser Valley and can be contacted at crimematters@shaw.ca | |