I am writing this letter as the new Liberal candidate for Northumberland--Quinte West. Recently, some very concerning information has

come to light, garnering national attention, about our own Member of Parliament, Rick Norlock.  Rick Norlock has attained the dubious distinction of spending more taxpayer's dollars on his avalanche of partisan mail outs than any other M.P., in any political party, in the entire country (nearly $90, 000, not including thousands more in the cost of postage).

 Upon becoming the Liberal candidate this past September, I have been approached countless times by people of varying political stripes who have expressed that they are "sick and tired Norlock's flyers coming in their mail”. Many were concerned with the excessive amount of waste created, both physical and financial. It is only now that the public comes to realize how much of their hard earned money Rick has been spending on his obsessive mailings.

This type of government waste is appalling on its own, but given that we are undergoing a time of national economic restraint due to the global economic crisis, Mr. Norlock should truly be ashamed. It is unfathomable to me that as the people of Northumberland--Quinte West face plant closures and unprecedented job losses due to downsizing, layoffs, and business bankruptcies, our M.P. chooses to send out another government pamphlet rather than to take real action to help our riding.  

Regardless of the political spin Rick Norlock and his government attempt to thrust upon us, the tax payers, the facts are as follows: Our country has faced an unprecedented economic downturn; a reality which was originally denied by the government. Mr. Norlock and the government have created a deficit of well over $50 billion; though they claimed Canada would remain in a surplus position. In light of the dire situation, all levels of government should be attempting to limit spending to only the most pressing matters. However, Mr. Norlock chooses to increase his spending on mail outs by an astounding 103% over the previous year. This does not stimulate the economy in our riding and this does not benefit those who are facing tough financial times.

 When Canadians coast to coast are facing the reality that their jobs are gone and for many putting basic necessities like food on their table is becoming more and more difficult, how can Mr. Norlock in good conscience spend more money of flyers than most Canadians bring home in their paycheque?

  I understand that every politician has an obligation to inform their constituency about important political matters. However, this does not provide Mr. Norlock with a blank cheque to abuse the public purse. The sheer number of mail outs is in itself egregious, and many times the content does little more than to parrot the Conservative party’s political messaging along with some trivial questionnaire Rick requests recipients to return to his office. In my view, this abuse is no less offensive than when Conservative members presented large government cheques displaying the Conservative party logo.

  In contrast, I look at the example of our local M.P.P., Lou Rinaldi. I read about what he is doing for our communities in local newspapers, I hear about what he is doing on the radio, and I see what he is doing on local television. However, I cannot remember getting a flyer from Mr. Rinaldi, but still I am very much aware of what he is doing to help this riding.

Rick Norlock’s abuse of mail outs speaks volumes about the partisan principles he and the Harper government live by. Examples such as how taxpayer funded programs are disbursed across the country to which ridings are selected to host the Olympic torch; the best interests of the Conservative party take precedent above the best interests of Canadians.

  I want to thank Michelle Simson, Liberal M.P. from Scarborough Southwest, for her tireless advocacy in trying to stop the egregious waste of taxpayers’ dollars, and for leading by example and disclosing her expenses on her website.

I call on you, Rick Norlock, to stop abusing taxpayers’ dollars and end your wasteful mail outs. Instead, spend your time and taxpayers’ dollars saving jobs, attracting jobs and getting those who have lost their jobs back into meaningful employment here at home in Northumberland--Quinte West. There is no public patience for self-aggrandizement, especially of the partisan kind. You have a job to do, which requires leadership through action. Stop the slick self-promoting propaganda campaign.

Sincerely,

Kim Rudd
Liberal Candidate, Northumberland--Quinte West