It's official: businessman Chris McNaughton has declared his intention to stand for nomination as the Liberal candidate for the Powell River-Sunshine Coast riding.
The lure of politics in Victoria has trumped McNaughton's original plan to retire to Mexico.
"It's a wonderful opportunity, a continuance of what I've tried to do for the past five years," McNaughton said.
McNaughton has been active in community economic development for the past several years. He has served as president of the Bed and Breakfast and Cottage Owners Association and has chaired several boards in the economic and tourism sectors.
"We have a hot economic climate right now because of all the building on the Coast. We need to sustain that growth for 12 months of the year. We need to have the economic engine firing on all cylinders," he said.
McNaughton participated in the Oct. 12 Spirit of 2010 Sunshine Coast economic opportunity summit, which showcased ways for the Sunshine Coast to benefit from the 2010 Olympics.
"I found the summit exceptional. It's a way to keep people informed and provided an opportunity for them to network," he said.
One of the concerns McNaughton sees for the future of the Sunshine Coast is the significant growth forecast for the area.
"We need planned development so we can retain our community values," he said.
He's also quick to add that infrastructure will become increasingly important in the coming years. McNaughton sees roads, sewer, water and transportation needs as crucial areas to be addressed in the near future.
McNaughton said the ferry corporation needs to be more responsive to its different roles in transportation on the Coast.
"We're ferry-dependent as residents, commuters and tourists," he said.
If he is elected, McNaughton said he would make the ferry service a priority.
During his visit to Sechelt Oct. 12, Premier Gordon Campbell said McNaughton "would make a great candidate."
As of press time, McNaughton is the only person to declare his intention to vie for the Liberal candidacy in this riding. The nominating meeting is expected early in 2005.
