When Ontario voters go to the polls this October, they will not only be voting on whether a change in government is needed, they will be voting on whether a change in the way we elect the government is needed, too.

A special referendum question will be placed on the upcoming provincial ballot that will ask voters whether MPPs should be elected under a new system known as "mixed member proportional" or MMP.

Under the MMP system, voters would cast two ballots - one for the candidate in their riding and another for a political party of their choosing. Under the proposal, the total number of provincial politicians would increase by 20 per cent from 107 to 129.

Effectively, there would be two tiers of politicians. Ninety MPPs would be elected using the current system, directly elected by voters in their ridings. Ontario would have fewer directly elected MPPs (from 107 to 90) meaning that ridings would become much larger in rural and small town Ontario as a result.

The other 39 MPPs would be appointed by political parties from a list of candidates based on the percentage of popular vote the party received across the province. The "list" MPPs would not have a riding to represent, but would still take a seat in the Ontario Legislature.

Proponents of the MMP system say results would more accurately reflect the wants of Ontario voters and would give smaller parties a better chance of winning a seat.

As an MPP, I have some significant concerns about two-tier MPPs.

If a constituent does not like the way I vote or does not agree with a comment I make, I certainly hear about it at the grocery store, the local gas station, the fall fair or through my phone or e-mail. In fact, direct public pressure on local MPPs played a major role in not only keeping the West Lincoln Memorial Hospital, but also winning a commitment for the hospital to be rebuilt and expanded.

No such pressure would exist on list MPPs. In fact, they would only be answerable to those who put them on the party list in the first place: the political party bosses and backroom operators, and would make our overly partisan system even more so.

That is my gut reaction, but I would like to hear your opinions on MMP and whether we should adopt it or maintain the status quo. Please send your thoughts to my Beamsville office at 4961 King St. E, Unit M1, Beamsville, ON, L0R 1B0, e-mail or call my office toll free at 1-.