Letters: June 24

Scott’s “Silly Mailings”

A few days ago we received another of Scott Reid’s "Keeping In Touch" mailings. Each M.P. is allowed a certain number of "free" mailings each year. This is available so that an M.P. can keep in touch with constituents to inform them of what is happening in parliament. For example it might outline which bills have passed and in general what significant discussions are taking place. This information should be for the benefit of ALL constituents. These mailings are paid for out of our tax dollars.

Instead of using these to inform, Scott Reid has turned them into silly surveys, usually, as is the case this time, on some single "hot button" issue, which he knows will be a political winner for him. He doesn't really want the results of a survey. He wants to tell us that he is "speaking out" against a bill that has no chance of ever becoming law in any case, and he wants the names and addresses of people who support him.

Surveys done by political parties cost thousands of dollars. Scott is getting his free. We are not getting our proper representation from Scott Reid. He should be working for all constituents, not simply using our money to reinforce his Conservative base.

Lorne Jenkins