iN DISCUSSION: MLA Boultbee’s behaviour part of growing concern in provincial politics

This is where cold hard facts give way to the hottest of takes, mostly mine I suppose. I’m the editor, Marshall Jones.

Want to include yours? Listen, this isn’t the comment section, this isn’t social media. Discussion and debate requires context and a wee bit of bravery — we need your name and where you’re writing from. Include it in your account or email me anytime.

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The following is an excerpt from an opinion column I published this week about Penticton-Summerland MLA Amelia Boultbee. 

Find the full editorial here.

I want to be clear, I’m not saying Boultbee was wrong in all the communications I’ve seen or were described. In plenty of examples I saw, she returned in kind and tenor, like any other online flame war we’ve all been a part of, with the obvious exception, of course, which also happens to be the entire point — on one side of these wars is the MLA.

Custom and convention surely dictate some rules of engagement, not lord your power over the squeaky plebs in the comment section as well as the Premiers office. The BC Law Society might frown a toothless grin on this conduct from practicing members but there’s no code of conduct for provincial politicians — just the one at the ballot box.

There’s a common denominator in these many public and private conflicts, a personal tactic and method antithetical to the cooperation and good will required for good politics let alone good government. Voters need to know about and decide if this Trumpian strategy of frightening, silencing and punishing critics is for them.

It’s still unusual in BC politics, unprecedented in my experience, different, new, worthy of public note but also a growing concern if you count fellow rogue MLAs Dallas Brodie and Tara Armstrong on this pole.

I’m fortunate my employer has backed me 100% in the face of a certain lawsuit by a lawyer and her lawyer. We’re a small, local, independent news outlet so this is no small matter, but they stand by me.

Many of the people I spoke to don’t count themselves so lucky.

I believe it’s vital that we stand up to this level of intimidation of residents, critics and the press because if these are the lengths Amelia Boultbee or a politician will go to punish a news agency for doing its job, what chance does anyone else have against their MLA?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Email me at mjones@infonews.ca.

Mj

Marshall Jones

Managing Editor

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If you haven’t heard, there’s this pretty big soccer tournament on right now. 

There’s a big game today to decide who makes the finals.

The game’s at noon. Have you managed to get time off to watch it? How does your organization handle such a thing?

For true sports fans, these are unique life experiences. When the Vancouver 2010 Olympics were on, I had a reporter basically quit if he couldn’t be in Vancouver for the final hockey game.

For some folks, this is bigger than their J-O-B.

Can you really deny English or Argentinian fans this moment? Do you look away knowing they’ll skive the time? Do you get the whole work crew involved? Allow time off or swap time for this singular event? Or let them and their morale suffer? Tell me.

I guess I am pulling for England today, but I have no way of watching it, so that would be my first problem.

Mj

Marshall Jones

Managing Editor

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I’m seeing the numbers for Kelowna’s unemployment rate, but does it meet the eye test?

Kelowna’s consistently sitting near 10% unemployment but with plenty of fluctuation, while Kamloops shows a much more reasonable 6.5%.

I don’t know what you’re seeing but Kelowna appears to be killing it. The Memorial Cup, the Touchdown BC Lions events far more successful than I thought. Rock the Lake music festival has become a summer staple. It’s got a new sign, I guess…

What am I missing about this unemployment rate? It can’t be all youth, can it? Email me at mjones@infonews.ca.

Mj

Marshall Jones

Managing Editor

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iN RESPONSE

JONESIE: We need to talk about Amelia Boultbee

I read your comments re: political elections, I agree with your view that the public must be informed on how their elected representatives vote and act in Victoria. Thank you for keeping me aware of the sometimes goofy happenings with my MLA (Tara Armstrong, Coldstream/Rutland). Please continue your observations and I am happy your employer backs you 100% as do I.

— George Miller via email

‘Only game in town’: Osoyoos track set to revive horse racing in B.C.

I wish you the very best of luck.

— Bonnie Derry via iNFOnews.ca

RCMP find the body of a missing boater in Mara Lake near Sicamous

Why oh why do people not see the importance of wearing a life jacket?

— Bonnie Derry via iNFOnews.ca

BC man to pay $20K after tribunal rules party trick videos are intimate images

What part of her request that her photo not be posted is hard to understand?? Surely the request itself is the end of the conversation? For Mr. Elbishlawi to suggest that he would only remove the post if she met with him is just creepy as heck.

— William Mastop via iNFOnews.ca

Trump says US will blockade Iran in Strait of Hormuz and charge ships for safe passage

U.S.A. to charge 20% toĺl on all ships using the straight…. yep…. Just Donald making it up as he goes along. It’s embarrassing the limited grasp this world leader has on international law. I remain convinced that he bribed his way through his education.

— William Mastop via iNFOnews.ca

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