MPP Arnott says a Mixed-Member Proportional system
would mean more back-room politics
MPP Ted Arnott is encouraging public involvement and expressing his own
views about the upcoming Provincial referendum in his most recent entry
on "Ted's Blog" at www.tedarnottmpp.com. The referendum is taking place
on October 10th, the day of the Provincial election.
"I would encourage everyone in Waterloo, Wellington and Halton Hills to
listen to the debate and consider both sides before making a final
decision on whether to support the proposed "Mixed-Member Proportional"
system of electing MPPs," Mr. Arnott said in his blog entry.
Expressing his own views, Mr. Arnott predicted that such a change would
actually undermine representative democracy, and even led to turmoil.
"The system we have now, known as "first past the post," has stood the
test of time, and is the best way of ensuring that all MPPs are directly
accountable to their constituents," Mr. Arnott said.
"A Mixed-Member Proportional system would mean a large increase in the
number of MPPs, but fewer MPPs would actually represent the people. The
new group of 39 MPPs would not represent the people, but would represent
their political parties. We already have too much of that in today's
Legislature," he added.
"It would also mean more frequent minority Governments, turmoil and
back-room deal making. I also believe the voice of small-town and rural
Ontario will be diminished, as the 39 new "list" Party MPPs are likely
to come from the cities," Mr. Arnott continued. "Hardly a more
democratic system."
"We can fix the existing system by electing people who are committed to
their constituents first and foremost, and who will fight for them at
Queen's Park, instead of being apologists for their parties all of the
time," Mr. Arnott said.
"That's why I will be voting for the existing system of electing MPPs on
October 10th," said Mr. Arnott.
Mr. Arnott invited the public to visit his website at
www.tedarnottmpp.com for updates on Ted's Blog, as well as
www.yourbigdecision.ca for information about the referendum.
Further Information: Ted Arnott, MPP, 1-800-265-2366 /519 787-5247
