BY LAURIE MCINNIS
GUEST OPINION
After reading Thursday’s editorial: Gender Inequality, I felt compelled to respond. This article illustrates “The problem obviously hasn’t been adequately addressed, a plan formulated or solutions found. In a province where women comprise slightly more than half the population, gender equality is largely absent when it comes to candidates for elected office.”
First of all, I would strongly advise residents of each and every ward to vote for a candidate based on their views, their work ethic, and being a strong voice for their community rather than what gender they are. Though I consider myself a feminist and define that term as equality for both genders, there are times in this society embedded with bias and stereotypes that being a female gives you an advantage.
I consider P.E.I. a province that offers and provides many resources to everyone, especially women. In 2018, I think it is time that we need to stop differentiating between men and women, and be more concerned about what the candidate has to offer to their community.
Furthermore, I would like to respond to the section in the letter that stated, “Melissa Hilton will face a tough challenge to return to city hall since she decided to change her ward and is running against incumbent Bob Doiron in Ward 6.”
As a long-time resident of Ward 9, I would like to give my own opinion on why a long-time councilor of the ward would ruthlessly run against a team member. Since the last municipal election, residents of this ward addressed several concerns and issues to their councilor and did not receive a response, were given a lack of resources and not given any answers to their important concerns.
I know that many residents expressed their apprehensions and disappointment throughout the community. With admirable candidates such as Julie McCabe and Lornie Hughes coming forward, she decided to run in the ward where she lives, a ward where she has never felt obliged to represent before.
Running against a team member, Bob Doiron, proves that she is a candidate with no values or morals.
I want to wish all candidates running for this municipal election good luck. It takes a lot of time and commitment to represent all residents within the community, thank you for putting your names forward.
As a voter, take your time to research all candidates. When voting for a community representative, or a mayoral candidate, please vote for that candidate based on what they will do for community and not based on their gender.
- Laurie McInnis is a long-time resident of Ward 9 in Charlottetown.
