The Conservative Party of BC (CPBC) has its first individual seeking to become the candidate for West 麻豆精选-Peachland in the next provincial election.
West 麻豆精选 resident John Martin was recently approved as a nominee by the party.
He said several issues in the riding need to be addressed by a provincial government.
鈥淭ransportation is an issue. Definitely Highway 97鈥s far as its ability to handle increased traffic and the increase in population.鈥�
Martin is also concerned with the NDP鈥檚 move to force municipalities to develop higher-density housing, pointing out that each community has its own specific challenges.
鈥淔or instance in West 麻豆精选 and Peachland, we鈥檙e hillside communities. To force high density in those areas is complicated and in many cases, it can鈥檛 be done because of building into the side of rock formations.鈥�
Martin said he also doesn鈥檛 want to see the two communities become concrete jungles.
READ MORE: UBCM prez warns of 鈥榰nintended consequences鈥� from new housing legislation
He added that he feels there is a burden on health care, throughout the Okanagan, that needs to be addressed.
鈥淭he number of doctors in our area is sub-standard. Wait times for a variety of procedures at 麻豆精选 General Hospital are substantial. Provincewide, it鈥檚 an area we have to address.鈥�
Asked why West 麻豆精选 and Peachland residents should vote for him if he becomes the CPBC candidate, Martin said he would bring leadership, dedication, and direction to the position.
鈥淚 am a common sense type of individual,鈥� he added. 鈥淎lso, because of my business administration background, I would bring that experience to government in bringing fiscal responsibility to the constituents.鈥�
Martin, who ran for West 麻豆精选 council in 2022, is also a retired Toronto fire captain.
鈥淚 can certainly bring a lot of attention and expertise to the wildfire issues that have happened throughout the province,鈥� he said.
The nomination vote for the West 麻豆精选-Peachland riding will take place online Sat. Dec. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The deadline to purchase or renew party memberships is Sat. Nov. 25 by 11:59 p.m. in order to vote.
READ MORE: Conservative Party of BC gains seat and official status in legislature
