Maritime Morning – Andrew Krystal

An old practice in NS politics is to go to the MLA if you’re in need. Most people correctly presuppose that the MLAs are some of the best looked after people in the Province. And they keep getting their gold-plated pension cheques (unlike the rest of us) long after they serve. MLAs have disposable income that they use to promote themselves and some also do contribute — in an honest heartfelt way — to groups and people that are in need. Every MLA from Deputy Premier Frank Corbett to independent Trevor Zinck has helped folks in their constituency.

It is simply wrong that one of the best jobs in the Province is being a politician. Here, people are encouraged to enter politics not just for power, but for the privileges and perks. It pays well to be a politician in Nova Scotia. For many of the people who sit at Province House it is the most money that they will ever make.

We need more businesses and business men and women here. That’s why I so strongly support bringing more businesses to the region and to encourage others to stay through a pro-business attitude, things like the new Trade Centre, and a can-do cultural attitude. We need to hustle and create a better bigger business class here – our very survival depends upon it.

But instead of people who create wealth what do we see in Nova Scotia in our communities? We see a privileged political class. The economic status of politicians in NS is one of the reasons many hard working tax paying voters are sour on the whole process.

Today we learn that left over budget funds for MLA’s can still be used to dole out to curry favor in MLA ridings. This process of MLAs handing out the candy has evolved over time to become a cultural custom in Nova Scotia.

There has got to be another way. We have to stop playing “Daddy” with our politicians. We deserve better.

That’s your Morning Memo.