I'm declaring a bias. I think Ted Chudleigh is a good man, and has done a good job representing the voters. He's been yelling long, and loud about the hospital- and is widely seen, and known in the riding. I think he will win the next provincial election. As a member of the press, he's been available and willing to answer my questions in a direct way.
This past Tuesday was Mayor's Breakfast- an annual gathering of business leaders, and politicians to hear about the year that was in Milton. Attending was MPP Ted Chudleigh MP Lisa Raitt, Mayor Gord Krantz, and a special guest Minister Bob Chairelli of Infrastructure who made a few remarks. He was introduced by the Mayor, and then proceeded to blast Mr. Hudak over the PC's stance on infrastructure funding. He was free to make them, but was it the right forum?
I don't think it was. He was there to celebrate the completion of the Arts Centre- a project that was completed despite our MPP being a member of the opposition- and our Federal MP being a Conservative. Such cooperation is rare in this atmosphere and should be celebrated when it happens. Besides isn't there some kind of unwritten code about government members (in this case a Liberal) coming into a riding and slagging the MPP (a Progressive Conservative) when he's sitting right in front of the podium or vice versa?
I don't think it was because it was in front of a business audience- the only other politician who spoke was Mayor Krantz. Usually when politicians are campaigning in that atmosphere it's more an argument saying what they'll do to improve business, and the economy- arguing for votes. This wasn't; it was more of a rant against Mr. Hudak, and Mr. Chudleigh. And when it came down to spelling out what the Liberals would do for infrastructure he pointed to a "10-point plan" that they think is"visionary and forward thinking." I'm pretty sure they meant the Places to Grow legislation, but then again the Minister wasn't specific.
I was talking to a friend afterwards, and he pointed out a double standard. Let's face it, if it was the other way around- the PC's would've been completely blasted by the Liberals. And he's right. But so far Tim Hudak has done nothing to define himself in a positive way, so this early negativity could stick- and be so memorable the PC's will again be sitting in opposition on October 7, 2011.
I feel like I should challenge our provincial politicians. You are better than petty bickering- both sides have ideas, and different visions for governing Ontario. Let's have an election based on those instead of bickering. Who knows you might actually interest a few voters.
