‘Muted’ MPP

As we go to the polls, I want to remind the voters in southern Wellington County that for the past four years we have had no voice in parliament.

When Ted Arnott took the role of Speaker of the House he abandoned us. He increased his wages by $20,000+ and padded his pension and in doing so muted our voices as constituents at a time in which we desperately needed a voice. 

When I spoke with Ted and expressed my concerns his response was that he was talking to people from all parties. It seems apparent that no one listened. 

During the various candidates debates Ted has essentially said nothing except that he makes no promises and will do his best. He has taken no true stand and remained in his impartial role as speaker and said nothing. 

Due to the visible split vote, when the PC government is re-elected, they will continue to defund public education and healthcare, and destroy much of our vital fertile farmland and green space to put in a highway. Once that important land is developed with a highway it’s gone forever, but it’s not just that tract of land that will be impacted, but the land and ecosystems surrounding it. 

It’s a slippery slope; if we have a highway, why not add in some development? Ford wanted to develop green space prior to the last election and walked it back due to outrage. In the past four years the development began and will boldly continue.

What did Ted have to say in the caucus regarding all of the plans his government has? Nothing. He wasn’t there. Because he had to remain impartial during the past four years Ted did not vote/provide input on anything within the PC caucus. We had no voice, no vote, we were muted for four years.

Candace Kelm,
Erin