Dear Editor,
Re: Court reveals Yap’s campaign tactics,” News, Feb. 15.
I am a regular Richmond News reader and supporter and, until now, have not written a letter to the editor.
However, I am disappointed in your Feb. 15 edition.
For reasons unknown, you have chosen to inflict a two-pronged attack on MLA John Yap.
The seemingly coordinated column by the editor and the news story further inside the paper cast dishonour on Yap.
In my view, the reference to “Quick Wins” was intended for that ill-fated activity only and not as a personal overall perspective and certainly does not reflect the man. I, therefore, consider your emphasis to be completely biased, unfair and unjust.
As a retired member of the Canadian Forces, I met Mr. Yap at events for Chinese Canadian Vets. He unreservedly supported them and their activities and continues to this day, even though only one of them resides in his riding and can vote for him.
Mr. Yap has served the Richmond-Steveston constituency well for 13 years and has been its biggest supporter. I have seen him in private, domestic and public situations and I have never seen any sign of bias toward any minority or disadvantaged group.
I consider Mr. Yap to be a dedicated, fair, honest, public-minded individual who, by his actions, deserves support, not criticism.
George Ing
RICHMOND
Dear Editor,
Re: Court reveals Yap’s campaign tactics,” News, Feb. 15.
There is no stronger evidence for the need to change to proportional representation than the revelations of John Yap’s campaign tactics.
It is shocking to learn that for Yap, the homeless, the disabled, those on social assistance and socialists can safely be ignored. It explains why, for 10 years, the BC Liberals refused to increase welfare rates.
But what is more shocking is to realize that Yap and the BC Liberals are not alone in using government benefits to reward friends and punish enemies — all parties do it.
Why? Because of the voting system!
Under the current first-past-the-post voting system, one-party, majority governments receive 100 per cent of the power on 40 per cent of the vote.
Most votes have no impact on the election outcome. There is no incentive for politicians to show any concern for those who do not vote for them.
In contrast, under proportional representation, all votes count. That, and that alone, will change the behaviour of governments and local MLAs.
In November, British Columbians can power-up their vote and put themselves in the driver’s seat.
No wonder every last BC Liberal MLA and party insider is vehemently opposed to proportional representation.
In November’s referendum remember Yap and vote “yes.”
Nick Loenen
RICHMOND
