Long-time Abbotsford Coun. Simon Gibson has won the BC Liberal Party nomination for the riding of Abbotsford-Mission.
Gibson will now attempt to win the seat being vacated by MLA Randy Hawes, who announced earlier this year that he would not seek another term.
“This was a great nomination race that brought a lot of energy and excitement to the riding, and now I’m going to get working on re-electing a BC Liberal government in 2013,” said Gibson.
Gibson said he won the nomination by only 13 votes, 93-80 over Mission Coun. Tony Luck.
He thanked Luck for participating in a respectful, hard fought nomination race.
“Anyone who puts their name forward for public office deserves our thanks,” said Gibson.
When he was announced as the winner on Thursday night, Gibson said it came as a shock.
“I was very surprised and pleased with the results and I’m looking forward to representing our party.”
New to provincial politics, Gibson has only five months to prepare for the election.
“I have a hunch I will be quite busy over the next few months.”
He also has to balance his time as a teacher at the University of the Fraser Valley and as a city councillor.
“I want to ensure that I fulfill my council responsibilities,” he said.
Gibson plans to meet with Hawes in the coming days in order to discuss the riding in more detail.
“I look forward to getting together with the current MLA and being briefed on the provincial issues that impact both our communities.”
If Gibson succeeds in winning the May election, he said he would step down as city councillor at the end of the year.
