Another hopeful has joined the race for the B.C. Conservative Party nomination in the Fort Langley-Aldergrove riding.
“It’s definitely time for a change,” Rick Manuel said in a written announcement released Thursday, Jan. 31.
“Running as a Conservative allows me to remain open to a wide range of new, overdue ideas and input from citizens who don’t feel comfortable voting with the NDP yet and are totally disillusioned with the Liberals.”
Manuel retired two years ago as Superintendent of Critical Care Programs within the B.C. Ambulance Service.
He cites additional experience as a business consultant, labour relations manager, human resources agent, coach, mentor, and institute teacher.
“I have been fortunate to have a varied career which has produced valuable contacts, skills, and abilities in leadership and management within large public service entities,” Manuel said.
He lists smart meters among his concerns, calling the government’s handling of the controversy “appalling” and “dysfunctional … a weekly newspaper cartoon and area of discontent for many residents.”
Manuel lives in the Salmon River neighbourhood with partner Victoria Urquhart.
He describes himself as a hobby farmer and gardener, diver, pilot, “passionate dog lover,” member of the Langley Harley Owners Group (HOG), and volunteer at the Community Police Office in the Township.
Manuel’s announcement comes a week after Aldergrove resident Nazreen Burns, an office administrator and former small business owner, said she would be seeking the BC Conservative nomination in Fort Langley-Aldergrove.
Burns, a married mother of three adult children, said her decision to run for a seat in the Legislative Assembly in the May 2013 provincial general election was inspired in part by the growing arrogance of the incumbent BC Liberal MLA, Rich Coleman
“It’s unfortunate that the more time Coleman has spent in elective office — and it’s now been close to 17 years — the more arrogant and insensitive he’s become to the concerns of ordinary, everyday people,” said Burns.
The party’s members will decide on their candidate at a nomination meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at the Super 8 Hotel in Langley, 26574 Gloucester Way. The hotel is located near the 264 Street exit off Highway 1. Registration begins at 7 p.m., with the meeting starting art 7:30 p.m.
BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins is planning to run in the Langley riding, held by Transportation Minister Mary Polak.