In what is shaping up to be one of BC’s more interesting elections in recent decades, independents may play a significant role when the results come in May 14.
Abbotsford has two independent veteran politicians running as independent candidates on May 14: long-time provincial politician John van Dongen in Abbotsford South and long-time City councillor Moe Gill in Abbotsford West.
BC’s three Independent candidates for re-election are taking to Twitter tomorrow to field questions about voting Independent.
In advance of the May 14th provincial election, this online event will engage BC Twitter users on how Independent MLAs can achieve accountability to their constituents while acting as more effective provincial legislators and local representatives.
When: Tuesday, April 23rd, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm.
Where: Twitter.com, #Indies4BC.
Who:
- Vicki Huntington (Delta South): @vickihuntington
- Bob Simpson (Cariboo North): @ReElectBob
- John van Dongen (Abbotsford South): @VoteJVD
Why: Independents across BC are offering a practical alternative to voters disappointed by MLAs who are “whipped” and muzzled by their political parties. The Independents are asking for the public’s support in offering a cooperative alternative to the party system, which they believe interferes with political discourse and grassroots representation.
Independent candidate Moe Gill
Gill had been democratically chosen by the riding association who all quit after Coleman and De Jong overrode their decision in order to parachute Plecas into the riding.
For additional background on reasons you may want to support an independent candidate in this election, Sean Holman, formerly of Public Eye Online, is releasing a new documentary called ‘Whipped’ on the evaporation of the role of the local MLA in BC politics as political parties have become machines driven entirely from the top.