It is a long time since there was a contest to see who would represent the NDP in a provincial election in the Fort Langley-Aldergrove riding.
Shane Dyson has ensured that there will be a nominating meeting, after he announced his candidacy on Monday.
The only other candidate so far is Gail Chaddock-Costello, president of the Langley Teachers Association.
The nomination meeting will be held in November.
Dyson carried the NDP banner in Fort Langley-Aldergrove in the 2005 provincial election when he received 7,600 votes, the most votes ever garnered by an NDP candidate in Fort Langley-Aldergrove.
“This will be one of the most important elections in the province and we can expect to see many issues being brought forward: the HST fiasco, B.C. Rail scandal, bonuses paid to bureaucrats who cut Community Living grants, and the indecisiveness of the premier,” Dyson said.
“But I want to talk about how we can make this community and the province a better place for all residents.”
The Fort Langley-Aldergrove constituency encompasses a growing urban population and one of the Fraser Valley’s most important agricultural areas, and this combination “brings exciting possibilities and unique challenges,” he said.
“Our next provincial government, in consultation with the Township and residents, must provide a wider range of transit options, including light rail in the Valley, protect farmland, ensure quality public healthcare, assist with job creation, and encourage a diversified economy that works for everyone.”
And, he added, “to ensure a strong future, we need a provincial government committed to investing in all levels of education and trades training.”
Dyson said that his professional work as a communications consultant and graphic designer in the fields of public education and unionized construction has given him insight into the need for properly funded public services and a strong and responsible private sector.
“If I win the nomination, I would see my role as bringing together all the groups with a vested interest in the future of our communities of Walnut Grove, Willoughby, Glen Valley, South Langley, Fort Langley, Aldergrove and along the Salmon River. We have many committed residents involved in numerous groups devoted to making our communities sustainable for the future.
“I have a long history of activism and engagement in regional issues and strong roots in our community,” Dyson said, adding that his family has lived in Aldergrove for the past 19 years. He and his wife own Face 2 Face Communications, a successful small business.
“My passion for community involvement and local politics is well known and I am honoured by the support from my neighbours, friends and leaders in our community who are encouraging me to stand for the nomination.”
Dyson said he will spend the weeks leading up to the nomination with residents of Fort Langley–Aldergrove, hearing from them about the issues they feel are important.