Make all MLAs earn their keep through pro-rep

Dear editor: When the package first arrived for the changes to our voting system, my first reaction was the proportional systems were too confusing and half baked.

But then, after more research and attending a meeting, I now believe that just about any proportional system could be better than our current one.

Here is the main reason why I am going to vote to convert to a proportional system.

Right now, as I have read in many letters, it is just not right that in most elections a party gets total power when most of us did not support them.

This results in a small group led by the premier in complete control and the rest of the governing members just having to fall in line. A proportional system would give these members a degree of independence.

Moreover, we taxpayers are paying MLAs in opposition who can do virtually nothing but yell across the floor. This is just not right! A proportional system would force all parties to be a lot more collaborative and a lot less confrontational, and all MLAs would actually be earning their pay.

For those who think that the result of a proportional voting system would only result a minority government and minority government can get nothing done, our Medicare system and the Canada Pension Plan were created by minority governments. First past the post has created the horrible mess south of us, and we could be heading in the same direction if we don’t change current system of voting.

I still think the three proposed systems are too confusing and half baked, but I think some form of proportional voting is worth a shot. G.J. Prichard, Kelowna