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After flirting with the idea of running for the BC United Party, Kelowna city councillor Loyal Wooldridge has decided to seek the job of MLA for the NDP in Kelowna-Centre instead.
Wooldridge said he's been impressed by how the NDP government has collaborated with the City of Kelowna
"It makes investments here, even though it's not a political stronghold," said Wooldridge.
"It made my decision quite easy when I saw which party I would align my values with," he added. "And most importantly, where I could deliver the most results for people."
Running for the NDP in the Central Okanagan has been an act of futility for over 80 years, so a win here would be historic.
"It's not lost on me that it will be a challenging election," he said. "Obviously, there is a voting history that we need to overcome."
Wooldridge's decision comes at a time of political change in BC.
And the riding of Kelowna-Centre is brand new.
Allegiances among right-of-centre voters are being divided between the BC United Party and the newly resurgent BC Conservatives.
"So the polls are looking strong for sure," he said.
To win, Wooldridge said he hopes to overcome what he describes as a "false narrative", that the NDP is bad for business.
"I'm a business person. I come from a small business background and I'm an entrepreneur. And I've seen how the government has supported business."
Photo Credit: NowMedia
Politically, he might be described as fiscally conservative but socially liberal.
"I have a social heart with a business brain," said Wooldridge.
It sets up an interesting backdrop in a campaign that's bound to encounter pushback from the Conservatives on issues such as the controversial Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity resources which are available in schools.
"I'm always going to be a voice for under-represented voices," he said.
Wooldridge acknowledges that his choice to run for the NDP may upset associates and even friends with the BC United Party.
"I'm sure some folks are disappointed," he admits.
"But at the end of the day, we're all working to make our community better."
Wooldridge mentions housing as a key issue, along with childcare, traffic congestion, public safety and support for business.
He is officially just a nominee at this point, there is no sign of any other potential candidate for the NDP in the riding, so he is expected to be confirmed as the candidate.
Once it's official, he will have to step down from council-appointed committees.
Once the writ is dropped, and the campaign officially begins he will have to take leave from council.
If Wooldridge wins the election, it would automatically force a byelection to replace him on council. That would take place within a few months of the provincial vote.
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