Shuswap residents will have an opportunity to meet some new faces from a political party that hopes to challenge the Liberal domination in this riding in the May 2013 election.
Three candidates are vying for the right to represent the Shuswap for the BC Conservative Party: Tom Birch, Ed Klopp and Maureen Walker.
Birch, a Salmon Arm resident since 1998, has worked for non-profits, and in the forest industry, where he is currently employed as a project manager for a Vancouver-based forestry software company.
“I am passionate in the belief that democracy is the people’s government and that we must re-engage those who are disillusioned with it,” he says. “Our youth particularly need to see how their participation does make a difference. We need to revive the concept of citizenship and working together to make our region, our province and our country greater for our having been here.”
Klopp, a resident of Sorrento, has been a trucker, property developer and, since moving to the Shuswap in 2010, currently owns an asphalt repair company. During his time in Alberta, Klopp has been involved with the federal Reform Party and the Wildrose Alliance Party.
“We need to stop expecting the government to keep fixing everything and expect taxes to go down at the same time. We can’t stay on the tax-and-spend spree that happened with the NDP in the ’90s and still is with the Liberal government to date... We need smaller, more transparent government making tough decisions.”
Walker, a native of northern B.C., moved to the Enderby area in 1997 and is the former owner of the North Valley Echo newspaper. She is currently working for Community Futures Shuswap.
Walker stresses her vast knowledge of the Shuswap region, its businesses and people, from both her work and as an active community volunteer.
“I am passionate about this province and feel that the BC Conservative Party is the only alternative to the current provincial government.”
The three candidates will be available to meet and chat with the public on Friday, April 13 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Toby’s Restaurant in Sorrento. A similar event will be held on Saturday, April 14 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Choices Restaurant in Salmon Arm. Coffee and dessert will be available by donation.