The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same
4 things about the Milton by-election results, and a look ahead to a potential flashpoint
On its surface, the results of the Milton by-election changed nothing; A PC MPP replaced a PC MPP. The differences are for the moment miniscule, but long-term could amount to something.
Politics done different??
Safe to say Zee Hamid likely puts the progressive back into Progressive Conservative. But there’s no getting around the fact until very recently he was a Liberal. I had trouble with this switch because there is usually a solid policy-based reason a politician would change like that, almost out of nowhere; and with him there was none. Zee isn’t the typical PC candidate, but is the Premier himself?
Refreshing politics:
Agreement about anything is becoming a rare treat in politics these days. But the Liberals, NDP and Green Party all agreed there shouldn’t be a Reid Rd quarry in Milton at a rally last week. Also refreshing are the use of the words I don’t know, I didn’t know that, or I’m not sure. Using these expressions means you’re human, and makes you more relatable. Uniting for a common cause like the Quarry means you care about the community you wish to represent. Both are positive things.
Switch or Stay Home?
There is a significant Muslim population here in Milton, and Hamid’s name carries a lot of weight, and support with it in that section of the community. But his decision to switch parties was met with a lot of anger, and betrayal. This might have led some voters to either switch, or stay home.
Should Crombie have run??
If she did, she would’ve lost maybe bigger than the Liberals did because Milton voters usually don’t like someone from outside the riding representing them. This riding is being split as of the next federal election, and she would have had to find a different riding anyway, so it’s probably a smart decision.
The first test?
The Reid Rd Quarry has gone to an Environmental Assessment. The line from Ford, and Hamid is that they are waiting for the final decision on that. Ford continues to be on record as saying he won’t do it unless the community wants it. I think it’s going to be the first test for Hamid on how he responds to giving his constituents potentially bad news.
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