In a letter to the Sun Times June 13th, Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound MP Larry Miller stated he would not attend all candidates meetings during this election. He said they are "obsolete" because they draw only people who have already made up their minds. That cannot be true of the Chamber of Commerce debate because it is also broadcast on Rogers community television. Mr Miller has nevertheless declined to attend that meeting.

Mr Miller said in his letter, "Any meetings that involve direct, one-on-one participation with the voter would be a very suitable format." That is exactly the format of the meeting on Proportional Representation that will be held at the Owen Sound Public Library on June 18, starting at 7:00 pm. But, we understand Mr Miller has declined to attend that discussion as well.

We now have to ask whether Mr Miller has decided on his own to avoid engaging in public debate of the issues, or whether he has been told to do so. We note that his boss, Mr Harper, has not held a press conference since December 2012.

Whatever the reason, it's hard not to conclude that Mr Miller and Mr Harper are more interested in controlling public perceptions in this election than they are in engaging with a perceptive public.

Meanwhile, the NDP in Bruce-Grey-Owen Sound will continue to meet with the public.

Ivan Smith, Bruce Grey Owen Sound NDP