It is often easier to complain than it is to suggest ideas. I am guilty of this at times myself but I would like to add to the editorial views expressed in the Sept. 20 edition of the Cochrane Eagle calling for the resignation of "Floor-crossers." I am in 100 per cent agreement with the statement that the justification used by "Floor-crossers" is a betrayal of trust and does not represent the mandate of their constituents. Rather than forcing an MLA to resign, I would like to suggest another option that is perhaps more of a middle ground approach to this long standing issue. Why not force an MLA that crosses the floor to sit as an independent? If this occurred, we would benefit in the following ways: one, taxpayers would avoid any costs of a bielection. Two, this would allow an MLA to express their personal beliefs and/or to protest the actions of the political party that they had previously been a part of. Three, the solution is less prone to political opportunism by the ruling party. Four, my guess is that the solution would be harder to justify if a ruling party wanted to eliminate this solution. Five, this solution would then allow the MLA’s constituents the chance to express their personal beliefs and/or protest the actions of the floor crosser in the next election. Yes, perhaps this might not deter the practice of floor crossing by MLA’s as well as forcing them to resign but unfortunately both solutions are likely moot points given my skepticism that any party is really interested in fixing this problem. Dan Cunin
