Still Putting Campaign 2008 Under the Microscope
I’m still trying to calm down from the October 14th federal election. Maybe its because for the first time in my life last week in these pages I mused about not voting next time. However, after a couple of weeks of settling down, I’ve still got a few burrs under my saddle.
I know the half-life of this political stuff is pretty short for most of you. However, politics is important, despite our collective distaste for it. I even read with interest that former finance Minister John Manley is testing the water for a leadership run. I’ll write more on that in future weeks. First up, a couple of concerns from the 2008 local campaign.
Can we proclaim the riding of Lambton-Kent-Middlesex dysfunctional? I think so. I just happen to live and vote in this riding and after what seems like forever, I think somebody should stick a fork in it. LKM makes no sense other than the fact it’s convenient for Elections Canada to construct it on a map.
I have family who live in Stratford. During election time we often drive there. What’s unbelievable is just before St.Marys/Stratford, LKM ends. However, I’ve driven almost an hour and a half from Dresden before getting out of it. If I left and traveled the other way to the extreme southwest of LKM, it would take me about 45 minutes to an hour. This is not Northern Saskatchewan or Northern Ontario people. This is southwestern Ontario and simply put LKM is too large and unwieldy and in my opinion politically dysfunctional.
For instance what does the tomato farmer in the former Dover Township have in common with the dairy farmer near Kerwood? What do the LKM commuters who work in London have in common with the LKM nurses who cross the border and work in Detroit? Why do we inflict these huge distances upon Bev Shipley and Maria Van Bommell who I’m sure grow tired of the distance dysfunction? I’m sure there is a better way. However the grand political experiment, which is LKM in my opinion has run its course. If Maria Van Bommell or Bev Shipley chooses to agree with me, I wouldn’t be surprised.
The second burr still under my saddle from campaign 2008 is what’s called “All-Candidates” meetings. This is where all the candidates gather so ordinary voters can question them. I’ve been involved in a few over the years, mostly sponsored by the Kent Federation of Agriculture.
In October I have no time to go to these meetings. It’s the nature of my business, people involved in agriculture usually can’t spare any time in May or October going to an all candidate night. However, a few weeks ago I actually thought I had time. Things were caught up, I had some writing to do, but I thought I might sneak it in. Instead, I watched on Cogeco 11 and it didn’t take long for me to decide I made a wise decision by not going.
Simply put, “ALL” the candidates got equal time even though at the end of the day there is no need for that. For instance the CHP candidate got just over 600 votes, but he was given equal time with everybody else. Not only that, but candidates were only given a minute to explain themselves. However, everybody got a minute whether the questioner wanted that or not. It was so counterproductive, that in my opinion, it not only ruined it for people who wanted to learn something, but it also ruined it for the mainstream candidates who were trying to put there best foot forward. Ever tried explaining the “Green Shift” in one minute? Good luck.
This is the way I’d do it. It would be up to the Chairman to control the meeting instead of being a timekeeper. Questioners would be given the right to have their questions only answered by the candidates they chose. This would give them the option to play one candidate off against another who they were considering voting for. There would be more time for answers and more to and fro. The chairman would control everything. At the end of the day, you’d get a feel for the candidates and I’m sure walk away knowing that you spent your time wisely.
There would be lots of time for “equal time” in opening and closing statements. However in between people could question the candidates they want. It would really work and at the end of the day everybody wins. For campaign 2009 or 2010, I hope somebody takes my advice.
So that’s it folks, I’ve got pretty much everything off my chest regarding Campaign 2008. Thanks for your patience. Let’s hold our breath for next Tuesday.