Viable options in this election

Along with a hundred plus citizens I attended the all candidates’ meeting to help decide who should represent Prince Edward-Hastings. The Bloomfield meeting was a civil affair with four well-spoken and prepared candidates. Talk about the leaders was curiously absent except by Michael McMahon of the NDP. Perhaps it was viewed by the other candidates as having too much downside risk in such a public forum. Harper by name and DNA is a polarizing character. Ignatieff is the new guy who has yet to excite, let alone charm the nation and Elizabeth May has been all but silenced this election.
The candidates pitched their party platforms and especially their own ability to do better in Ottawa for us. Incumbent Daryl Kramp, after 7 years, has risen to the second last row of the House of Commons. He loves his job. He is a gentleman, community man and the friendliest person in his Belleville office. He is accessible, a reliable foot soldier and careful to avoid committing or initiating anything contentious to his party’s policy. Time and again he expressed how most situations he faces are complex. That appears why he says he won’t answer surveys and likes lots of meetings! His answers to audience questions rambled and at times he appeared confused. He provides a presence in Ottawa but not the strength of voice we have had in the past. Peter Tinsley may be the smartest candidate this riding has ever had on the ballot. His intellectual capacity, decisiveness and public service record sets him in a different league from the others. He suffers no fools, yet clearly cares about others in need. He referred to his notes more often than the others perhaps to show that his Liberal party had a considered answer to a question posed. Tinsley displayed quiet competence, sincerity and no nonsense directness. To him, being an MP is a duty to be done truthfully, boldly and honourably. Michael McMahon presented the need to challenge the motives behind major decisions whether ordering F35 jets or extending subsidies to oil companies. He wants to rein in corporate Canada and raise the quality of life for all Canadians. Patrick Larkin aptly attired in a green shirt focused on the future, one without his victory will continue to doom the planet. He pitched a better path that called for tough decisions now and one that is entirely up to us on Monday. We need an MP who will initiate, challenge and deliver for us and the nation. That, I conclude, calls for a new PE-H voice now. We have viable options.

Don Carr