COMMENTARY -- As a Conservative conservative, I need to really trust the change being rolled out, in order to champion it

Is Caroline Elliot a viable alternative to Kerry-Lynne Findlay?

Sure, Elliot lacks operational experience, but she knows the mechanics just behind the scenes. In terms of policy navigation and execution, this is not her first rodeo. And whatever you think of her team, they are a seasoned bunch. Elliot is surrounded by experience. And yes, some names on her team have migrated from Canada’s east. Iain Black says he won’t run as a Conservative candidate in the next general election. He said that if Elliott wins, he doesn’t want to get his marching orders from Ottawa.

Is Elliot the federal party pick? Would that change the provincial party internally?

Elliot offers a stern social conservative agenda. She is fueled by wanting a better world for her young children and has a seasoned well financed campaign team. She is also endorsed by two former Premiers, several MLA’s, MP’s, former leadership candidates, along with others.

Like Black, I worry about change management with Elliot. Both represent big change. Elliott on the social side, Black on financial side.

As a Conservative conservative, I need to really trust the change being rolled out, in order to champion it. This is still where I prefer Peter Milobar.

I think he is the candidate most likely to propel change in a respectful way that feels stable, comfortable and sustainable. I also think he is the candidate most likely to grow the Conservative Party while maintaining current membership in the next general election. Whatever you think of him, if he wins, he is going to work with current MLA’s in the BC Legislature, to keep the party together, to win the next general election.

That is going to include social conservative policies.

And on that front, I also think Milobar is the best candidate to speak publicly on behalf of the party about social conservative policies because he comes at it calmly, respectfully and thoughtfully.

Don’t get me wrong, I am attracted to the instant tax relief in Black’s plan. And if Elliot or Kerry-Lynne Findlay wins, I will be happy to see some of their visioned changes realized.

I just see Milobar delivering the same desired change with a growing team. I also see Milobar being more successful at the microphone and negotiating table. I also see less violence, less protesting, less wasted money, and more overall life satisfaction and stability with Milobar. But it IS hard not to vote for Black’s income tax reduction.

That said, I have to keep reminding myself that plan creates a giant hole in provincial revenue. It also grows the provincial debt further billions beyond the billions already afforded us by the BC NDP.

Those billions owed, WE will ultimately pay for.

A commentary from a self-proclaimed socially awkward peasant wearing sweatpants. Sharing thoughts and other stuff.