I am still in the "No" camp, but the article presents many interesting points that are worth considering. If you study the accompanying diagram in the Record, it would almost seem beneficial for the PC party to be pushing for this change.
However, I was impressed by the decision of U. of W. political scientist Peter Woolstencroft's offer to help the "No" side:
"Do we want to have MPPs who will be passing laws who are not directly elected by the voters and are not accountable to electors in a district?" Woolstencroft said.
He hopes a group of local people will come together to "look at our options" and develop a plan for an opposition campaign in Waterloo Region.
However, he said the No side is well behind "organizationally and financially . . . The reformers have been out there for a long time beating the drum."
His voice lends a great deal of credibility to the cause for trying to come up with an alternate solution. It doesn't have to be a decision of MMP or status quo forever.
There are other models out there.
FPTP has its flaws, but why therefore opt for a less democratic Ontario?
* * * *
BTW, stunts like this make me even more determined to say No to MMP.
More info here on the pros & cons of MMP (Full Comment).
James Bowie with a great post and discussion here.
Raphael - Olivia Chow's MMP vision: 20 people attend.
BTW, stunts like this make me even more determined to say No to MMP.
More info here on the pros & cons of MMP (Full Comment).
James Bowie with a great post and discussion here.
Raphael - Olivia Chow's MMP vision: 20 people attend.
10 comments:
I am in the "no" camp as well. Just take a look at some of the countries in Western Europe that have adopted proportional representation.
What they have is an endless stream of tiny fringe parties without any hope of forming the government determining what government policies get passed into law.
I'm with you... No MMP
Joanne, did you read the MacLean's piece on MMP in New Zealand, this week? It doesn't seem terribly scary.
http://www.macleans.ca/article.jsp?content=20070904_155329_1720
http://tinyurl.com/ywcofq
Sorry, I think this one will work. :)
Would our geographical and population differences have an effect on that Greg?
If MMP modifies the ridiculous situation of one past the post where a candidate can win by one vote or 10,000 votes, what the hell's the matter with it?
Anonymous: In fact, if done correctly, MMP can help lessen regional tensions. Parties can shore up their parties in areas of the province in which they are weak by using list MPPs, thereby insuring that all areas of the province are represented by all parties in the legislature.
Greg, I've read that the lists have to be submitted ahead of time in order of preference, so I wonder how they would know who's going to get elected where before the election is over?
My understanding is there are a number of ways it could be done. For example, if you are in a safe constituency seat you would put your name low on the list and if you are in a marginal or safe seat for another party put your name high on the list.
O.K. Greg, that much makes sense. Thanks.
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