B.C. Liberal Party members in the Powell River-Sunshine Coast riding have elected a candidate for the May 17 provincial election.
Maureen Clayton, a former school trustee and chair of the school board for the Sunshine Coast, garnered more votes than her rival, Wayne Rowe. In all, 506 Liberal Party members cast ballots, with 262 voting for Clayton and 244 for Rowe.
Clayton said she was excited and awestruck.
"It's an awesome responsibility and I'm up for the challenge," she said.
Clayton will be running against B.C. Green Party leader Adriane Carr and New Democratic Party candidate Nicholas Simons.Clayton predicted she could win the riding for the Liberals.
"I don't go by polls," she said. "I just know that I can work hard for Powell River and the lower Coast and I'm going to do that."
Clayton will be talking about the ferry situation during the campaign, she said, as well as health care and seniors' issues.
Clayton, who was also chair of the Sunshine Coast Hospice Society and was active in the creation of the Sunshine Coast's first two hospice beds, said the B.C. Liberals have established a solid economy.
"Now that we're there, we have to look broader than that," Clayton said. "We have to look on the effect it's had on the community and people particularly. I am a person who is going to be answerable to that and I'm prepared to stand up."
The last four years have been a difficult time, but necessary, Clayton added, to achieve control of government spending.
"I am a positive person and I look at the positives. The strong economy is the necessary underpinning of all our social programs," Clayton added.
David Formosa, president of the riding association, said the party would have a "tough go" in the election campaign. However, he pointed to the Liberal's management of the economy as a significant achievement.
"I think if you look at the economy and the way we started out at the beginning of the term, as a have-not province, and now we're one of the top provinces, I'll hang my hat on that record," Formosa said. "I wasn't totally happy with everything that happened, but at the same time, here we are."
Formosa said he thought Clayton's experience as the chair of the Sunshine Coast school board is one of her strengths.
"She will bring a woman's touch to our riding," he said. "More sensitivity, possibly. Women are very good organizers and I know that from the many women within my own staff. I'm really happy to see her get this opportunity."
Simons opens officeNDP candidate Nicholas Simons will open his Sechelt-based campaign office today (March 18).
Located at 5654 Cowrie St., the office will serve as the main base for volunteers from up and down the south Coast.
The opening will be celebrated with refreshments from 4 to 6 p.m. Hours for the office will run from noon to 4 p.m. Campaign office hours - morning until late in the evening - kick in April 4 in preparation for the May 17 election.
A campaign office for the Powell River area is scheduled to open on April 4.- With a file from Ian Jacques
