Some of New Westminster’s prominent politicians of the past and present are throwing their support behind candidates running in the Oct. 15 election.
Wayne Wright, who served as New Westminster’s mayor from 2001 to 2014, said “it’s time to change again” and believes new people are needed to help move the city forward.
“It's up to everyone to cast a vote to ensure this council is well represented by the people and not just by a political party,” he said. “A council of diversity is as much needed today as possible.”
Wright hasn’t endorsed a specific candidate for mayor – he thinks there are two candidates who have “good strengths” and could do the job – independent candidate Chuck Puchmayr and New West Progressives candidate Ken Armstrong. He told the Record that both candidates contacted him to discuss their plans to run for mayor and to get his opinion.
“I listened to their thoughts about city, etc., and thought both were on the same page as me and wanted to get back to city first and other issues I thought important,” he said. “I know Chuck better, and have full confidence in him being able to work with any council elected; Ken’s platform, to me, was similar to my thoughts. So the voters have a good choice.”
Wright also believes change is needed on council to help the mayor govern. He’s endorsed one Community First New West candidate and five of the New West Progressives candidates and listed why he’s supporting those candidates: Paul Minhas (safety and business); Rick Folka (finance and local sports); Daniel Fontaine (governance experience); Karima Budhwani (environment and family); Jiayi Li McCarthy (recreation and sports); and Jamie McEvoy (council experience).
“Bottom-line for me is I think it's time for a change and will be voting for that,” he said. “I have always been a ‘city first’ person and tried to govern with this in mind.”
After serving four terms as mayor, Wright lost to Jonathan Cote in the 2014 mayoral race. At the time, Wright said it’s challenging to run against a slate of candidates who are endorsed and supported by the New Westminster and District Labour council.
Community First supporters
Community First candidates – the slate of candidates who are endorsed by the labour council – are also being endorsed by some heavy hitters in the NDP.
New Westminster-Burnaby MP Peter Julian has endorsed the Community First New West slate for city council and school board. He said the team includes incumbents who have done “great work” and some “exciting” newcomers.
In a video posted to social media, Julian endorsed the Community First candidates, who all stood behind him.
“These are people who have stepped forward for our community, and will do a remarkable job for our community,” he said. “I hope that they will have your support.”
In a separate video, Julian endorsed Community First mayoral candidate Patrick Johnstone.
“I’m supporting Patrick Johnstone for mayor. He’s an environmental scientist and he brings that knowledge and that passion for the city,” he said. “As city councillor, over the last few years, he’s done a remarkable job. He’s also available anywhere throughout the city. You’ll see him at events and festivals, making sure he’s responding to the needs of people in the city. He really cares about New Westminster and he cares about the people of New Westminster.”
Former New Westminster MLA Judy Darcy has endorsed Johnstone for mayor, saying he’s passionate about the community, smart, experienced and knows the issues that people in the city care about. She has been involved in the establishment of Community First New West.
While the BC NDP hasn’t directed its MLAs not to endorse candidates in local elections, a party member told the Record some elected officials are choosing not to vocally support particular candidates because they recognize they’ll have to have a working relationships with whomever is elected to council and school board on Oct. 15.
