And we’re off …

Christine Clarke, BC Conservative
candidate for Port Moody - Coquitlam

Since late yesterday, one media outlet after the other has been running stories that British Columbians in the riding's of Port Moody – Coquitlam … and Chilliwack Hope … will be going to the polls soon.  The date of the vote, according to the media, will be April 19^th.

Here’s one of the latest stories, this one from the Vancouver Sun this morning; “Christy Clark to call B.C. by-elections today”:

Premier Christy Clark will today call by-elections in B.C.'s two vacant riding's, meaning voters there will be going to the polls on April 19.

The by-elections will take place in Port Moody-Coquitlam and Chilliwack-Hope, which were made vacant after resignations by Liberal MLA's Iain Black and Barry Penner.

The call will spark a showdown between Liberal candidate Dennis Marsden, New Democratic Party candidate Joe Trasolini and B.C. Conservative Christine Clarke in Port Moody-Coquitlam

In Chilliwack-Hope, Liberal Laurie Throness will face off against NDP candidate Gwen O'Mahony and John Martin of the Conservatives.

Clark had until April 7 to legally call the by-election in Port Moody-Coquitlam, and until July 30 to make the call in Chilliwack-Hope.

Voters in these two riding's have been waiting for Christy Clark to call these by-elections, but understandably, with things not looking good for her government, she has long delayed. 

This has not been fair to the taxpayers and voters of the riding, as they have deserved to have representation in the legislature.

Christine Clarke, the candidate for the BC Conservative Party was the first nominated, and she has been out for weeks now, with a team of volunteers, canvassing the Port Moody – Coquitlam riding.

She has been meeting with a positive response, on doorsteps, as she talks to voters – and presents the message of returning common sense, and voter accountability to the BC Legislature.

The last poll released a few days ago showed the BC Liberal Party now tied with the BC Conservative --- by election day, those numbers could be even lower, and they just might end up as the party in third place once votes are counted.

Joe Trasolini, running for the New Democrats, is the perceived front-runner, and given his political experience as a councillor, and four terms as the Mayor of Port Moody, that is no surprise to anyone.

Regardless … Christine Clarke and the BC Conservatives have one message to deliver – and they will be hammering that home for the duration of the campaign; smaller government – fiscal responsibility – and being responsive and accountable to voters.

She will also remind voters of what she said just days ago – that the delay in calling the by-election was, “shameful” … and that, “… people in the riding should have had representation — whatever the stripe — in Victoria during the spring session”

Good luck Christine on your quest to become one of the first members in the legislature for the NEW BC Conservative Party.

In Kamloops, I’m Alan Forseth, with the thoughts of one conservative.