The race is on for the federal Conservative nomination for the Kootenay-Columbia riding. With the nomination period officially opened, two area candidates have put their names forward for the position: Wendy Booth and Dale Shudra.
Wendy Booth is stepping away from municipal politics to pursue the nomination.
Leaving behind her role as Area F director, Ms. Booth looks back satisfied at what she accomplished in her 10 years as director. When she first ran as area director, one of her main concerns was to bring potable water to the community of Windermere.
“When we had the referendum supported last October, then late winter got the $6 million grant, I was like, ‘OK, I’ve done it. I’ve done the job I want to do,” she reflects. “It is time to pass the privilege on to someone else.”
Ms. Booth wanted to continue contributing in a meaningful manner in an elected role, and set her sights on federal politics. She says the Conservative values have always resonated with her, with their belief in “low taxes, a strong economy and jobs as foundational principles. It’s about giving people a step up as opposed to a handout.”
Dale Shudra sent his nomination papers in last week too, officially putting his name forward for the Conservative nomination. Mr. Shudra announced his intention to run last February, but suspended campaign efforts after the April riding association AGM.
“It became apparent that the contest would be delayed until the fall. Nomination contests are not meant to be drawn-out campaigns and, given the delay, I felt it best to suspend my campaign activities. I am now back, fully engaged,” he said in a press release.
Mr. Shudra has been acclaimed as a councillor in Radium Hot Spring’s municipal election. He says he was encouraged by a number of people to run for Council. While they knew Mr. Shudra wanted to run federally as well, they urged him to run for local Council, one resident even saying they would rather have him for a year as a councillor than not at all. If he wins the nomination, then the Conservative Party wins the riding in the October 2019 election, Mr. Shudra would need to step down from Radium council, triggering a by-election.
“My motivation hasn’t changed. I want to represent this riding well,” says Mr. Shudra. “Properly held nomination contests are a good way to invigorate the party, get people interested in federal politics, and start thinking about who should represent them. So I look forward to campaigning, meeting people, selling memberships, and the vote that’s coming out.”
Both Ms. Booth and Mr. Shudra provided press releases, which have been attached to the story.
Ms. Booth and Mr. Shudra are also competing with Cranbrook’s Rob Morrison for the nomination.
