Bryce Asks:
British Columbians are actually heading to two polls this year, municipal and we also have the mail-in referendum on Proportional Representation.
What's your position on Proportional Representation and why? Should Kamloops also consider some sort of electoral reform for municipal to ensure each area/neighbourhood of Kamloops gets equitable representation on council? Perhaps even lowering the municipal voting age to 16 to get youth more engage.
I am in full support of looking at lowering the voting age in all elections and I am in favor of Proportional Representation. One possible disadvantages of proportional representation is that it may not produce a majority government but the benefits outweigh the negatives. There is a lot of misinformation that PR will benefit the governing party, not true. Under first past the post government wins 100% of the power with 40% of the votes. Many believe that PR would result in higher voter turnouts as the electorate would come to realise that their votes really count. Whether candidates do not support PR or do support PR, it does not have much bearing on our ability to act as an effective councillor. Steer away from partisan politics and support a candidate because they love the city, are engaged, have a strong voice to represent residents and want to help make the city shine. Strengthening neighbourhood association is one way to make sure council and staff hear the issues from the community.