There are financial icebergs on the horizon, and I'm looking for the life jackets

Which leader do we want at the helm of the ship that is Newfoundland and Labrador as we approach the jagged iceberg of an unsustainable tax base?

Which leader and their party has the innovation, creativity and foresight to steer us into the stable waters of financial security? 

Because right now, we're looking for the life jackets.

There are slogans everywhere. The Way Forward, Yes to Ches, Working Together for Change, and the provincial NDP — how does one rural voter decide?

As a proud resident of a rural community, I find myself wondering what political party is best for the many isolated, outlying communities of this province.

As each leader, followed by their hopeful and ambitious candidates steps up to their respected platforms in the final stretch of the campaign, we hear why they're the best option for our province in 2019. 

Our screens are filled with ads and their promises are very enticing, some even worthy of a retweet. 

There's no doubt that all the potential candidates with so many diverse skills and experiences want what's best for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.  

However, as a proud resident of a rural community, I find myself wondering what political party is best for the many isolated, outlying communities of this province. 

There is a clear lack of discussion on rural communities, rural services, rural development and sustainability.

Rural N.L.: The forgotten N.L.?

There's a lot to talk about, as there are significant challenges that exist in our communities where so many of the population call home, for now. 

For example, there are communities in this province that don't have access to high-speed internet. 

There are approximately 200 communities in this province that are under boil water advisories, including my own which has been under a boil water advisory since January 1989. 

For perspective — that's longer than I've been alive. 

Likewise, regional government is a hot topic right now amongst municipalities, but I haven't heard or read about it during this campaign. Additionally, we just saw the resignation of the chairman of the Eastern Regional Service Board, over a newly-announced government directive on garbage tax (another hot topic in the municipal realm).

As a rural resident I'm interested to know what the political parties plan to do about any of the above. Is rural N.L. forgotten N.L. in the 2019 provincial campaign?

I hope not.

And that's just the tip of the rural iceberg. 

Given our vast geography, dispersed population and valued tourism industry, I expected much more conversation on rural sustainability and everyday rural life, a critical piece of the colourful mosaic that is Newfoundland and Labrador.

Answers and guidance, please

I'll admit that there are enormous concerns facing our province right now, and understandably our leaders want to talk about them and tell us why their political party is the best answer to all our problems.

There are great people and great ideas telling us they're ready for the challenge of effectively, affordably running this province, but the campaign has us rural residents wanting clear direction on what the political parties have in mind for our culturally rich tourist destinations that are our communities — arguably the heart of our province.

I expected much more conversation on rural sustainability and everyday rural life, a critical piece of the colourful mosaic that is Newfoundland and Labrador.

Before we mark our X on election day many of us as supporters and residents of rural Newfoundland and Labrador would like to have some answers and guidance on these issues to make a well-informed decision when selecting our choice for the next leader.

While I do fear for the (lack of) voter turnout at the polls I trust that those equipped with information and confidence in their politicians will go the polls. If the voter turnout is low, it is worrisome; will that mean that voters didn't have the adequate information to confidently exercise their democratic right?

There's no denying that there are a vast amount of serious economic concerns facing the people of this province, and understandably our political leaders are keen to discuss their big, new, effective plans.

As we try to decide who to put our trust in at the helm of the ship — the iceberg of financial uncertainly looms on the horizon.

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