Election Q&A: MIKE WISNIEWSKI (Independent)

1. Why are you the best candidate to represent the riding of Wellington-Halton Hills? (Response limited to 100 words) What I'll bring to the job as a Member of Parliament is a new, common-sense approach of doing the duties. Instead of selling an agenda and asking you to accept it, I will do my best and work my hardest to meet as much of the constituency as I can, so the platform I take to Ottawa is shaped by the people in the riding. To me, this is common sense. What other industry on the planet sees the employees tell the employers what they intend to work on and how much they are getting paid?

2. Looking at each of the other parties separately, please offer an opinion as to why they should not form the next government. (Response limited to 200 words) For a candidate who is trying his best not to run a negative campaign, this will be a tricky question to answer. However, anyone who knows me knows I love to discuss the issues. So, I will now do my best to answer that question honestly, while trying to respect the character of my fellow candidates. Even though I trust (Conservative leader) Stephen Harper will not go into Iraq, if elected, I don't know how he'll proceed in regards to future international military initiatives. Even though (Prime Minister) Paul Martin has two ministers handling democratic renewal, a prime minister who won't allow a free vote in his cabinet has me questioning his commitment to democracy. Even though (NDP leader) Jack Layton is in touch with working Canadians, I don't believe he can allow labour and business to co-exist without intervening. Even though Jim Harris (Green Party leader) believes in Canada, I have the impression he sees less to do at home when I review his very ambitious foreign aid strategy. Unfortunately, we don't have a say as to who becomes prime minister. Our ballot only allows you to elect your representative. Who's willing to listen to the people, and, independent of party line or agenda, deliver in Ottawa?

3. What is the major local issue(s) in this campaign and what will you do to deal with it if elected? (Response limited to 100 words) In the notes that I've been taking, as I hear the concerns of the constituents, health care is a great concern. Also, people have been calling for lower taxes and more accountability in government. As far as health care goes, after meeting with people and taking calls and letters, I'll have a sense of whether I'm directed to defend universal health care or to allow doctors the right to practise privately. I'll meet with the Minister of Finance and discuss lowering taxes. I'll stress accountability by setting a good example and being as accessible as possible, how the job should be.