Erin Haluschak
Record staff
Paul Ives is taking time to reflect, as he admits he recently enjoyed his “adventure in democracy.”
The Comox mayor says he’s overcome his initial disappointment Sunday following the vote for the provincial Liberal Party representation for the Courtenay-Comox riding, which was won by former 19 Wing Comox base commander Jim Benninger.
“It was a great wrap-up, and life goes on. The one door didn’t quite open as much as I would have liked, but I have about two years left in my term as mayor so I’m getting refocused on that job … and will continue to look for new opportunities for the town.”
He adds he doesn’t believe any constituents are holding his attempt at provincial politics against him – rather – he says he’s received many positive notes, Facebook messages and emails.
Many people, he says, are also relieved there will not be a byelection for his position.
As for returning to his municipal duties, Ives notes any party politics are left at the council door.
“We’ve strived as a council to keep those cards in the back pocket.”
As for future political endeavours, he’s not considering anything more at this point. He says the last four months have been a lot of work while the Town of Comox has also been incredibly busy.
“(Provincial politics) wasn’t certainly something that I wanted to get into at this juncture, but when Don (McRae) announced that he was stepping down, I felt some sense of duty to the Comox Valley, and was encouraged by a lot of people. It was a good outcome and it’s important the party stay united for the election next near. I wish Mr. Benninger all the best.”
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The treasurer for the party’s local riding association and candidate Connor Gibson says he considers the process “an absolute privilege” to have had the opportunity to meet many residents of the Valley over the past few months.
While Gibson, 20, says he is very content knowing his best effort was made, he also acknowledges with certainty “that there will be a next time.
“My focus now shifts to ensuring that Jim Benninger is the next MLA for the Comox Valley … I am now back on the Comox Valley Riding Association, as well as the North Island Powell River executive. Again, it is still very early for me to say what my next steps are; there are opportunities out there in the political realm.”
Gibson added the youth member base in the Valley is higher than it has ever been, with one of the largest Young Liberal membership groups in the province.
He says it’s a testament to all four candidates who were seeking nomination.
“The key is keeping them involved going forward … the best way that a party can encourage young people to get involved is being relatable.”
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Pauline Stevenson says the BC Liberal Party has a good candidate in Jim Benninger, and the party is in “great shape to win the provincial election in May.
“It was amazing to see the number of people that came out to show us their support on Sunday and see the number of BC Liberal members top 1,200,” the candidate, and owner and operator of Excel Career College, said in an email.
“On a more personal level, the support, encouragement and trust I received from so many outstanding people in our community has been overwhelming and humbling.”
Stevenson added while she doesn’t have any immediate future political plans, she will see what may unfold.
