By the looks of things, members will have a competition for the Speaker's chair. That will be a first.
In the past, nomination of the Speaker was treated as a prerogative of the Premier.
Having a competition for Speaker will be a key element of reforming the House and separating the House from the control of the government. Scott Reid has the personal integrity to uphold the traditions of the House, to protect the rights of members, and to resist any efforts to curb the legislature.
Reform of the House is an important feature of the Liberal platform. Reid has the professional knowledge as a political scientist and the experience as a political staffer to guide the reform. Scott also has the personal qualities the new Speaker will need to work with both his newly elected and veteran colleagues to bring about that reform.
The Speaker has significant responsibilities to manage the statutory officers, such as the child and youth advocate, the privacy commissioner, the chief electoral officer, and the auditor general. Scott's personal commitment to the integrity of those positions will be crucial to successfully reforming the way those positions have been filled and the way the incumbents fulfill their responsibilities to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Scott will likely have competition from Tom Osborne. Osborne has wanted the Speaker's job for some time now. Kathy Dunderdale saw to it that Osborne didn't stand a chance after the 2011 election. Tom Osborne would be a fine Speaker.
But for your humble e-scribbler, as good a man as Tom Osborne is, Scott Reid is the choice.
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