Dear Progressive Conservative:
I wanted to draw to your attention that today our Progressive Conservative Caucus became the first group of MLAs to formally provide some ideas to reform the MLA expense system that has attracted so much criticism over the last two weeks. You can read the letter putting forward these ideas that was sent by the Honourable Karen Casey on behalf of the caucus to the Speaker of the Legislature at www.pccaucus.ns.ca. While the media coverage around this issue has left volunteers in all three parties struggling to defend what in many ways is indefensible spending by MLAs and former MLAs from the three parties, we should take pride in the fact that our PC MLAs are trying to move forward with solutions that address the legitimate concerns of taxpayers over MLA expenses.
As your provincial president, I continue to maintain regular contact with Karen and the PC MLA team on what grassroots Tories are telling me on MLA expenses. Next week, I plan on attending some of the constituency annual meetings and fundraisers that are scheduled around the province, so perhaps I will reconnect with some of you then to discuss what’s on your mind.
Our website now features some of the speeches and presentations given at the recent 2010 annual meeting. We expect some video of the Friday night of the convention will be uploaded soon. For those who weren’t able to attend the annual meeting, I encourage you to check for updates under “AGM 2010 recap”.
Please mark down in your calendars for March and April the date in your area for Outlook 2014 sessions. These sessions will provide PC Party members with the opportunity to shape the future direction of our party on such questions as our vision for the province, strengthening or rebuilding our organizations and communications. The first one is March 6 in New Glasgow. Again, more information is available at www.pcparty.ns.ca/outlook2014.
Some of you have suggested that I have personal party email to receive your comments directly. I am pleased to report that you can contact me at robert.batherson@pcparty.ns.ca or through PCHQ at 902-429-9470.
Keep in touch,
Rob
