It’s long been the tradition of this newspaper to endorse a candidate in the municipal, provincial and federal elections. And we’re well aware voters are becoming tiresome when it comes to picking who best to represent their interests at town hall, Queen’s Park and Ottawa after being sent to the polls on numerous occasions in the past four years. What we can tell you based on the past several weeks of covering the provincial campaign in Dufferin-Caledon and getting to know the names and faces and what they stand for is there is no shortage of passion among the candidates vying for your votes on Thursday.

In Dufferin-Caledon we have incumbent Conservative MPP Sylvia Jones who has proven herself to be a capable politician having served Dufferin-Caledon for the past four years, newcomer Liberal Lori Holloway, who portrays a passionate stance while holding firm to her party’s platform, NDP Karen Gventer, who hails from the Grey Bruce/Owen Sound riding with a wealth of experience with her party, and former Orangeville town councillor and Green party candidate Rob Strang, a man we feel has the experience and foresight to lead Ontarians to a sustainable future.

Strang has brought up two points that have swayed us in his favour.

He’s honestly acknowledged that candidates at the provincial level can receive campaign funding from certain interests, while at the federal level they can not.

As a candidate for Orangeville council, he steadfastly refused developer donations to his campaign.

He believes changing the laws on who can fund a campaign is a key component to leveling the playing field and making sure the public has as much influence as industry. We agree.

None of the other candidates have spoken up on the issue.

The second was simple. Consider the track records. And when we do, we are forced to invite change. The others have had their time at the table, and we haven’t seen clear and unwavering direction from any.

The question of whether the Green Party can manage provincially or federally has never been answered, but it is time to let a few of their candidates give it a shot, and show us what they’re made of.

Caledon represents the unique opportunity to select an interesting and out of the box candidate. To show that small town Canada can think progressively, and can support change.

Rob Strang is that candidate.

http://www.caledonenterprise.com/opinion/it%e2%80%99s-your-vote/