Apparently
BCers are feeling a wee bit alienated agian as MP Harper makes only his second visit to BC since the election whereas he has made eight visits to Quebec. I liked his response (via National Post):
...“The truth is, British Columbians are intelligent enough to know that reaching out to other Canadians is not a rejection of British Columbia. It’s making sure that our values are promoted so that we can actually be in government.”
This is valid though.
...While most party members say they admire Mr. Harper and appreciate his efforts in Quebec, some speak openly of their leader’s need to be more visible and develop a better populist touch. He needs to “loosen up,” said Ariane Eckardt, president of the Burnaby-Douglas riding association. “I think we would like to see more of him. I think also we would like to get a little bit closer to him. He seems to have a bit of a problem with relaxing, let’s put it that way.” Another riding president was more blunt. “I think Stephen’s efforts to expand the party base on the West Coast are not moving forward,” said Eric Sykes, riding president for Delta Richmond-East. “Stephen is a very smart guy with some smart advisers, but they do not appreciate sufficiently that the rank-and-file need to see and mingle with the leadership on occasion. When you are not moving forward, you are, in fact, moving backward.”
I agree that it would nice if MP Harper could seem a touch friendlier but he is what he is.
