The Issue:

Selecting your next MPP

Our View:

Jones and Strang are the top picks

If you haven’t started thinking about whom you will vote for, time is running out, so put on your thinking cap. We’re in the final days of campaigning ahead of Thursday’s (Oct. 6) provincial election.

You will see five names on the ballot in Dufferin-Caledon — the NDP’s Karen Gventer, Lori Holloway for the Liberals, Progressive Conservative candidate Sylvia Jones, Daniel Kowalewski of the Libertarian Party and Rob Strang for the Green Party — but there are two clear standouts.

Jones and Strang each proved themselves worthy of representing the riding as MPP during their performances at local all-candidates debates; they’ve demonstrated a clear understanding of local issues and presented a plan to improve our communities.

The two bring varying experiences to the table — Jones having served as MPP for a term already, in addition to her work for previous local representatives, and Strang’s time in municipal politics as an Orangeville councilor.

There’s no denying the passion or commitment of Holloway or Gventer, each of which are viable options, but the stronger voices belong to Jones and Strang.

Looking beyond their individual strengths, each comes with an advantage because of the party they represent. In Jones’ case, the Progressive Conservatives have a legitimate shot at forming the next government — it will be either them or the Liberals — and her experience makes her an ideal candidate for a cabinet position and the influence that brings.

Electing Strang, on the other hand, would bring attention to the riding as the first to vote in a Green MPP. And if his party’s prediction of a minority government comes to fruition, the PCs and Liberals would be courting his support on a regular basis, placing him in a powerful position to affect change.

The choice is yours.

http://www.orangeville.com/opinion/editorial/article/1218301–time-to-choose