Regarding Marilyn Gladu switching parties

A Sarnia resident reflects on Marilyn Gladu’s decision to cross the floor to the Liberal Party, arguing that while the move may have warranted a by-election, lawn signs are no substitute for direct civic engagement.

I'm glad you have provided Sarnians with a report on Marilyn Gladu's decision to switch political parties. Her decision to quit the Conservative Party so soon after being elected by the Sarnia community left many in dismay. They voted to elect her as the candidate for their preferred political party and her change of party has inspired a considerable amount of discontent.

Even though I am a dedicated independent, I can still understand how people who usually support the right-leaning Conservative Party can be upset by her crossing the floor to join the more centrist Liberal Party led by Mark Carney. The current Liberal Party is not the old Liberal Party led by Justin Trudeau. It now embraces some of the more conservative beliefs regarding economic responsibility that used to be seen as the corner stone of the Conservative Party.

After reading your report, it seems that Marilyn Gladu made her choice after some serious considerations. She did not make her decision lightly. It probably would have been more appropriate for her to have simply left her position and allowed a by-election to decide who would take her place in parliament. However, this is not a requirement in Canadian law.

I do not think it is seemly to see the lawn signs popping up around town publicly chastising her. Contact her office and let her know how you feel. Make your voice heard in the next federal election! Those are responsible ways to state your discontent instead of choosing to hide anonymously behind a sign.