Dennis Adamson plans to seek the NDP nomination in the Chilliwack riding next spring.
The Yale area director feels his involvement with political and day-to-day financial issues at the Fraser Valley Regional District since 2008 has given him a wide range of experience that can be carried forward to the provincial government level as MLA.
“It’s time for change,” he said. “I want to try and help make a better B.C. for everybody. I believe the NDP are going to form government next year and I want to be a part of influencing the policies that they set for the province.”
Adamson was one of three candidates seeking the NDP bid in the Chilliwack-Hope byelection this year. He sees running for the party’s nomination in Chilliwack as a natural progression for his political career.
“I’ve learned after four years in local government that most of the issues you want to affect change on are provincial,” he said. “In the Lower Mainland, where you draw the line doesn’t really matter – the issues are the same. I stand for the people, I’m approachable and I try to find a solution to problems.”
Adamson said he’s “very familiar” with the issues facing Chilliwack residents, such as the closure of the hospital rehab unit and the impact of waste-to-energy facilities under consideration by Metro Vancouver. He also supports increasing guaranteed funding for communities throughout the province, better management of funds in government ministries, and less privatization of public property.
Chilliwack MLA John Les, who is currently serving as Parliamentary Secretary to Premier Christy Clark, announced last week that he won’t run for re-election in next year’s provincial election. He was joined by Finance Minister Kevin Falcon, Education Minister George Abbott, and Children and Family Development Minister Mary McNeil. Other B.C. Liberals who have announced they are not running again are West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Joan McIntyre, Richmond Centre MLA Rob Howard, Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger, Burnaby-Lougheed MLA Harry Bloy, Vancouver-Fairview MLA Kash Heed, Surrey-Tynehead MLA Dave Hayer, Saanich North MLA Murray Coell and Penticton MLA Bill Barisoff.
– with files from Robert Freeman
