Watch dog: fighting for integrity and competence
Photo credit: Abbynews http://bit.ly/Qb4FeN
John van Dongen, Abbotsford representative since 1995, has switched political tracks yet again. From Liberal to Conservative and now running as an independent, some might say van Dongen’s track record illuminates the opportunist for what he is. Is he forever to be known for jilting political parties as the Georgia Straight portrays him? Or perhaps he will be repeatedly quoted for choosing “the highway” as the Abbynews reports.
The question remains. How does the popular, longstanding MLA hope to be reelected when he hasn’t given voters any assurance of his political stance? Or has he?
From his own webpage, van Dongen makes it clear that integrity in the government is of utmost concern to him. He acknowledges that the public has lost confidence in their leaders and states that it is his job to be a “watch dog”. He vows to fight for political leaders to exhibit “integrity, competence, and have a true commitment to public service”. His recent resignation from the BC Conservatives only solidifies his statement. This is an MLA that truly believes in his views and is not afraid to act on them. Voters can have confidence that John van Dongen will not sit back and watch; he will not go with the flow. He will stand for the issues he cares about and fight against the incompetence he perceives.
Whether his views and perceptions align with yours is a whole different story.
The Other Track 