There’s a provincial election Feb. 27.

Despite that, you might not have heard much about this riding’s candidates running this year — because most of them won’t pick up the phone or sit down for a chat.

Other than incumbent New Democrat Wayne Gates and Liberal candidate Shafoli Kapur, none of the people running for this riding have returned phone calls to this newspaper — or any media, for that matter, so far as we can tell.

When it comes to the Progressive Conservatives, candidate Ruth-Ann Nieuwesteeg has simply been missing in action. She hasn’t consented to interviews and has dodged debates.

We’re left to speculate that perhaps she has no reason to listen to constituents and presume she’ll simply take her marching orders from PC leader Doug Ford.

That’s the Tory way in Ontario — toe the party line, centralize decision-making responsibilities and avoid potential problems by not having candidates step out of the bubble and connect with people and the media in small towns like ours.

Conveniently, Nieuwesteeg managed to make it for a photo op when the PC leader staged a campaign stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake two weeks ago.

This, combined with the nearly eight-year PC track record governing Ontario, tells us a lot. She’s not ready to lead, especially in this riding, which is packed with people who care about our future.

The Liberals’ candidate — after they took weeks to find one — was parachuted in from Toronto and doesn’t live in the riding. Enough said.

The Greens, while we love the ideology, have always been sort of a sacrificial lamb, ie. they don’t really stand a chance so it’s not really a wise use of your vote. It will just split the vote on the left.

If you are the kind of person who would vote Green, perhaps you’re the kind of person who should instead consider voting against the Progressive Conservatives.

In our riding, there now are seven people on the ballot, but really, it is a two-party race.

In our view, the only real local candidate worth his salt is incumbent Wayne Gates, who since 2014 has represented the Niagara Falls riding — which includes Niagara-on-the-Lake and Fort Erie.

A grassroots politician, Gates always makes time for his constituents and doesn’t hide from the media. He has a plan of attack and is familiar with what issues matter to the people living and working in our communities.

As an NDPer, unless an orange wave washes over Ontario, he won’t have a seat at the governing party’s table — as some PC supporters like to argue. But under our system, your vote is for the riding candidate and Gates is the best choice.

He understands the issues and won’t just be another pushover or pawn for the Ford regime if the Tories are returned to power.

Let’s all remember their track record and lack of real action on important issues such as health care, education and daycare.

Plus there is a long list of issues that Ford has stumbled on — notably the Greenbelt, privatizing more health care instead of “curing” hallway medicine and his cozy relations with deep-pocketed individuals. And let’s not forget about turning Ontario Place into a European spa.

Unlike a PC backbencher, Gates will genuinely be fighting for the people, not just blustering about it as Ford does.

In our assessment, there’s simply no better option for Niagara than Gates.

If you want someone to challenge the province’s underspending on health care to decrease wait times for you and your family to receive emergency care, then vote Gates.

If you want someone you can actually reach to discuss issues that matter to you, vote Gates.

If you want a candidate who cares only about what Ford and his cronies, developer friends and private interests think, then vote Nieuwesteeg.

It’s pretty simple. A vote for Gates is a vote for the people. A vote for Nieuwesteeg is a vote to further the interests of the province’s most wealthy. (As for Ford’s pitch that he needs the mandate to be able to fight Donald Trump … that’s hogwash.)

But wait, Ford promised $35 million to the Shaw Festival? If he is re-elected.

Let’s think about that: If the Progressive Conservatives are suddenly going to support the arts in NOTL, in the midst of an election campaign — is there any ulterior motive?

The NDP has a long history of supporting the arts, culture, health care and beyond.

Ford likes to say he is “for the people” when in truth a vote for Ford is a vote for the rich and powerful.

You decide.

In this riding, vote strategically and don’t waste your ballot on an independent, Liberal or Green candidate. If the left is divided, Ford and his party are the only beneficiaries.

editor@niagaranow.com