Masse needs to vote for Windsor

Re: NDP members deserve applause, by John Liedtke, Oct. 26.

I was shocked to discover that Brian Masse actually voted against so many important funding matters for Windsor.

Why is this happening? Were the other issues in those budget bills that Liedtke mentioned so egregious that Brian had to turn his back on our local Windsor economy?

Why does Brian always just vote with his partisan party line? Are there no exceptions to these whipped party members when, clearly, such funding issues for an MP’s region are paramount to support?

I think Windsorites elect our representatives with the trust that they will do what’s best for the constituents they represent. Our only Windsor West vote in parliament is too precious to waste on any such group political bias.

Brian should have voted in favour for the federal funds for our tunnel-plaza expansion, our new bridge and the auto bailout. No excuses. Is Brian loyal to Windsor first, or is he only loyal to keeping his job as part of the NDP opposition?

Brian was elected by Windsorites, not the rest of Canada, and he should be voting in favour with whatever the current government positive policies are for Windsor, especially pertaining to our new bridge. It is that important and he should not be hypocritical to the residents who voted for him, nor to our American neighbours who deserve consistent partners they can trust.

It’s time for Brian to put partisan politics aside and to stand united with all Windsorites, on the new Bridge Act, and for any new funding for our Windsor region. Many politicians in Canada and the U.S. vote primarily for their constituency issues first, over their party lines. Brian should demonstrate the same conviction.

If Brian wants to show he can be loyal to Windsor first, he better change his voting pattern fast, or Windsor West should change our MP.

CHRIS RICHIE, Windsor