GLENGARRY-PRESCOTTRUSSELL WITHOUT A VOICE

To the editor:

Notwithstanding the many complaints people may have with politicians, it is particularly vexing when politicians collect a salary, paid for by taxpayers, and we are unable to point to a single tangible achievement where their work has benefited their constituency over the course of a term of office.

A case in point is Amanda Simard, elected as a Progressive Conservative voice in the

Glengarry-Prescott Russell (GPR) riding in 2018. Ms. Simard, having served as a Progressive Conservative MPP for 180 days, is now an independent and intends to run under the Liberal banner. The GPR riding has been left without representation since that time and she has had no public visibility.

There are many words to describe how many of us who voted for her feel, but “betrayed” seems gentlest and most appropriate.

When politicians, intentional or otherwise, get elected under a false flag, they should have the ethics to at least resign to run another day, rather than continuing to collect a salary at taxpayers’ expense.

Ms. Simard has no visible record of achievement in either party. And when a politician’s record of achievement is flat lined, both as a Progressive Conservative and an Independent, the words “buyer beware” also seem gentle and appropriate.

There are many words to describe how many of us who voted for her feel, but “betrayed” seems gentlest and most appropriate

Suzanne Normoyle

Rockland