It’s been a whirlwind tour of debates here in Newmarket and Aurora, as I’m sure it is in ridings across the country. Starting with the Cardinal Carter Catholic High School last Friday, this week we have had three in two days (Aurora Chamber of Commerce Monday night, Sacred Heart Catholic High School Tuesday morning, and the taping at Rogers TV on Tuesday afternoon) with one more to go tonight at Newmarket Theatre hosted by the Newmarket Chamber of Commerce.
Generally speaking, while the debates are OK and I think I hold my own in terms of responding to the questions posed, I am concerned that this and the major media are the majority of the access to candidates and party policies for constituents.
There is little that can be answered in one minute responses, and certainly not the full range of policy for any party on a particular issue. Plus, there is little time for the candidates to listen to constituents instead of talking, which I think takes away the most important half of the equation. That aside, it is the system we have, and I will participate in any all candidates debate held in the riding, or any presentations to groups that can be arranged.
I have tried my best in these debates, even while trying to answer specific questions, to highlight the fact that to make an informed choice voters would be well advised to read the policies and platforms of the candidates and parties in their ridings.
I also think it is important to consider the philosophy that underlies the making of those policies. In this way a voter can best predict how a particular party might react to issues that come up between elections, rather than just those that make the news cycle right now.
The Green Party, for example, remains focused on our long term vision and our policies have been developed to work in concert to realize that vision. There is, of course, policy to react to the short term such as the current economic downturn, but generally we do not agree with short term, reactionary solutions that would not lead us toward our long term goals.
At any rate, 4 down and 1 to go. I’ll see you all at the Newmarket Theatre tonight if you decide to attend.
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“their is litte time for candidates to listen to their constituents”
my feelings exactly. The Cons and the Libs will only listen if they get hit with the same question over and over until the media takes notice. Information is vital, and if candidates refuse to take notice or even answer their constituents questions then what kind of democracy are we living in? I sincerely believe we live in a a country where the media points the finger, a country where less than a hundred individuals have the money to control the power/information for the entire country. This is why the internet issues, electoral reform etc must be in the spotlight.
If you check michael geist website you’ll notice Tim Jones + Mike Seaward have agreed to the copyright pledge. Funny I sent it to them the day it was posted, mr Jones’ campaign management staff sent me an email telling me it was illegal and they must respect the rule of law, ndp made no response; now all the sudden they care about it?
very interesting indeed…
Mr Hubbers quick-question what are the green parties feelings on the current monetary system?
What are the Green parties expressed feelings on future economies such as a proposed resource based economy?
a quick reference would be http://www.thevenusproject.com
a good film about this
google video: Zeitgeist : Addendum release Oct 3, 2008 a better title would have been the future of our economy ( free 2 hr documentary confirm at zeigeistmovie.com also watch it free) also large explanation on clean renewable sustainable energy that could power the world TODAY at 1 hour 17 mins in.