ALISTAIR WATERS
Black Press
Carole Gordon is getting a do-over.
The NDP candidate in Westside-Kelowna in the May 14 provincial election may have lost to Liberal incumbent Ben Stewart by more than 6,000 votes and garnered only 30 per cent of the vote, but she says she likes her chances in the same riding just a few weeks later against Premier Christy Clark.
Gordon, who was named Tuesday as the NDP’s candidate in the July 10 byelection in Westside-Kelowna, says despite her loss to Stewart — a victory in which he took 58 per cent of the vote — she feels the NDP did pretty well.
“I actually think we did OK. We did better than in 2009 (provincial election).”
Adrian Dix, NDP leader, says the upcoming byelection should focus on local issues, such as seniors’ care, health care and road safety.
“The local voters need a local representative,” said Dix, adding Gordon will speak up for local industries like fruit growing, wine and spirits, as well as other groups like small business and seniors.
Meanwhile, the B.C. Conservatives have named their candidate for the byelection.
Local realtor Sean Upshall, who ran for the party in Penticton and came third behind Liberal winner Dan Ashton and second-place finisher NDP candidate Dick Cannings, will carry his party’s banner in the Westside-Kelowna vote.
