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Hat back in the ring

Wayne Stetski running for NDP in Kootenay Columbia.
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Wayne Stetski

For the Townsman

Committed to doing his part to ensure that the Conservative government comes to an end at the next election, former Cranbrook mayor and longtime public servant Wayne Stetski is announcing his intention to run for Member of Parliament for the NDP in the riding of Kootenay Columbia.

"Stephen Harper has inflicted serious damage on our country, making it more and more difficult to even recognize the Canada we know and love," said Stetski.

"Whether it is our reputation on the international stage or our record on protecting the lakes and rivers we love, Stephen Harper's record is embarrassing for Canadians."

Members of the Kootenay Columbia NDP Riding Association will affirm Wayne Stetski as their candidate to run against the current Conservative MP, David Wilks, at their nominating convention on Sunday, March 15, 2015 in Cranbrook.

"I'm not just running against Stephen Harper's record," continued Stetski. "I'm running because I believe that the people of this area deserve to be represented by someone who is willing to stand up and fight for their interests.

"Since his election in 2011, David Wilks has been heard saying he is not allowed to vote the way his constituents want him to in parliament. He can only vote the way Stephen Harper tells him to, even when his constituents tell him that they strongly disagree.

"Democracy is poorly served by silencing a whole region in this way. The people of Kootenay Columbia deserve better.

"There is only one person in parliament whose job it is to represent the people of Kootenay Columbia. I'm going to be that strong voice in Ottawa," continued Stetski.

Members of the public are welcome to join Stetski and the rest of the Kootenay Columbia membership at the Manual Training Centre in Cranbrook at 1 PM on Sunday, March 15th as he officially kicks off his campaign to bring real representation to this area.

"I'm looking forward to a great campaign. It is clear that if we want to defeat the Conservatives in this area we will all need to work together to elect an NDP MP."

Stetski is well acquainted with this riding that covers similar ground to his area of responsibility when he held the position of Kootenay Regional Manager for the British Columbia Ministry of Environment.

"I'll be travelling throughout this area meeting with people across the riding right through until Election Day. I'm looking forward to getting reacquainted with old friends and making a whole bunch of new ones. We'll see you all on the campaign trail!"