Economic growth coupled with a population explosion in the corridor, transportation and independent power projects are three areas Joan McIntyre has identified for action in the wake of her West Vancouver-Garibaldi Liberal nomination victory.
McIntyre won the Liberal nomination in this riding after three days of voting which concluded on Dec. 16. McIntyre polled 286 votes to 81 for businessman Tim Duholke.
Her name will now replace retiring Liberal MLA Ted Nebbeling on the ballot in the provincial election on May 17.
McIntyre, who announced in September she would seek the Liberal nomination, doubled the number of party members in the riding during her campaign.
Duholke did not declare himself a candidate until just before the nomination period closed, meaning he had little opportunity to sign up new members.
McIntyre is a past president of the West Vancouver-Garibaldi riding association and a long-time party worker.
Nebbeling, who had endorsed McIntyre and was in West Vancouver when she was declared the winner, said her working relationships with other MLAs was important because it allows new representatives to establish themselves quickly.
"The biggest thing is to really listen to the people and figure out what the issues are because the issues can be very different in other communities and then you have to make sure you’re part of the team," said Nebbeling.
"This is where Joan has a big advantage because she has been working for many years with a number of politicians, she knows all the cabinet ministers and has a mutual respect with a lot of the people behind the scenes as well."
Nebbeling said McIntyre’s background in market research would also assist her in analyzing the issues.
"She has the same kinds of values as I did in many ways in that she has a belief in a strong economic management style and a focus on the social needs of the community.
"But her biggest challenge will now be to get elected."
In the 2001 election Nebbeling was elected with 56.51 per cent of the vote. NDP candidate Barrie MacLeod who won 29.71 per cent.
Despite the fact West Vancouver-Garibaldi has been a Liberal stronghold, the region is going through some big changes, including preparations for the 2010 Olympics. The pressures of development, population growth and upgrades to the Sea to Sky Highway will keep any MLA representing the riding busy.
But for the moment, McIntyre said she would be savouring the victory over Christmas.
"I haven’t had too much time to celebrate so I’m looking forward to Christmas with the family," said McIntyre. "I’m looking forward to carrying the B.C. Liberal message; really separating it from the NDP and getting to the bottom of the issues."
