Allan Patton has asked for NDP nomination papers to run for Boundary-Similkameen MLA. (File photo)
With less than 10 months to go before the May 9 provincial election, the NDP in Boundary-Similkameen still doesn’t have a candidate and is unlikely to have one before the fall.
As of yet, no potential candidate has stepped forward to challenge incumbent MLA Linda Larson, although at least two are on the verge of announcing.
“I’d like to run,” said Allan Patton, former Area C (rural Oliver) director with the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS). “I’ve asked for nomination papers, but I haven’t received them yet… I can’t really say I’m running until I fill out the papers and I’m vetted.”
Another likely contender, who has municipal experience in the Boundary area, is not yet ready to declare, but expects to say something later this week.
Meanwhile, former Osoyoos Mayor Stu Wells admits that he’s been pushed to run by people within the NDP and the region, but he said he’s not seeking the nomination.
Wells said he’s got other priorities and plans outside of politics that he’s currently considering.
Craig Keating, president of the B.C. NDP said some ridings have already nominated NDP candidates and there will be more nominations in the fall and the spring.
“We want to use the nominations to give candidates profile,” he said. “I think the summer months are dog days for a lot of folks, so I think we’re going to be looking more towards the fall and into the spring to do most of our nominations.”
Keating said the NDP’s provincial executive has the authority to set nomination dates, but they do it in cooperation with the local riding association.
Because many ridings have changed their boundaries, including Boundary-Similkameen, the riding associations had to have new founding meetings before they can proceed with nominations, he said.
The riding association had its annual general meeting July 10 and again chose Rhonda Bruce Mattes as president. She could not be reached for comment.
Keating said potential candidates must gather signatures and must also go through a background check.
He pointed out that the failure to do proper checks can result in situations such as the federal Conservative candidate who was a plumber caught on video urinating into a customer’s coffee cup.
“We’re very excited about our prospects in Boundary-Similkameen,” said Keating. “I think (MLA) Linda Larson has really messed up in a lot of ways and shown she’s more interested in representing Christy Clark than she is representing the people of Boundary-Similkameen.”
RICHARD McGUIRE
Special to the Chronicle
