I read with particular interest your article published March 28 on MP David Emerson and his political future.
As the NDP candidate democratically elected to run in Mr. Emerson's riding of Vancouver Kingsway, I have a few thoughts to contribute.
Your article quotes Tories who claim that Mr. Emerson brings "real-world experience to bear on discussions." In the Vancouver Kingsway "real world" I inhabit, I can tell you that voters strongly believe that such experience should include an understanding of the democratic process and the need to respect voters' wishes.
Apparently, this type of real world experience has eluded Mr. Emerson.
In addition, your article states that the Conservatives hoped that Mr. Emerson's defection - weeks after being elected as a Liberal - would "attract Vancouver voters to the party."
After speaking with thousands of voters in this riding, I can tell you unequivocally that any party that thinks it can attract voters by inviting betrayal of their democratic rights has a highly skewed sense of political appeal.
This applies both to the Liberal and Conservative parties, both of whom have engaged in the dishonourable practice of trying to entice MP's to reject their constituents' democratic expressions by crossing the floor.
Last, Mr. Emerson says that his decision to run next election will be determined by what is in the best interests of his family.
I think that may be the nub of the problem: as an elected MP, Mr. Emerson's decisions should reflect what is in the best interests of his constituents.
If he truly thinks that his decision to ignore the democratic process met this standard, I fully encourage him to run in Vancouver Kingsway and put his decision to the test of the voters.
