Over the last months I have been frequently asked for my thoughts on the upcoming provincial election and the available options in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. So for those of you that haven’t had the chance to ask me personally, for better or worse I will share my thoughts.
I think it’s first worth mentioning that I am politically homeless and feel abandoned by the leadership of what was the BC Liberal Party. The new leadership spent far too much time catering to a vocal fringe who refused to understand a BC Liberal was not a Federal Liberal and as such wasted precious resources and political capital in a fantasy brand swap that is most notable for its futility. While BC Liberals by no means got everything right, we did accomplish much and left office with a healthy provincial balance sheet, a plan for the future and a long list of successful capital projects like the Port Mann Bridge, the Canada Line and of course the Sea to Sky highway upgrade, our local game changer. But what is past is past, the free enterprise coalition of federal Libs and Cons is no more and my “red tory” sympathies will eventually need to find another home.
I have lived much of my life in this extraordinary riding, had kids, built a business here, served as your MLA since 2013, and before that, three terms as Mayor of Pemberton. That’s a long time in public service and the public eye, and its past time for me to concentrate on my family and to build a future for our farm business so it can survive generational change in what I am experiencing as a deteriorating business environment.
So when Saturday comes and it’s time to cast my ballot, the implications are potentially profound. Housing, affordability, transportation and taxation are all critical issues affecting my ability to accomplish what I must for my family, my staff and my business. Given that I don’t have a political horse in this race, I have the opportunity to cast my ballot not along party lines, but for the candidate that I feel brings the most to the table for the region.
I do know and respect the abilities of all the candidates and if I was to provide a little tongue-in-cheek advice to all it may well be, “careful what you wish for.” That said, I have read everyone’s literature, listened to their appeals, watched the debates and came away with the distinct impression that two candidates were good, and one candidate was exceptional.
Yuri Fulmer is far and away the best choice for the Sea to Sky for this next term, whether in government or opposition. Yuri has extensive experience and sophistication as an ethical, thoughtful, innovative owner and operator of British Columbian businesses. He has demonstrated a deep love for this province and country. He has been one of the province’s most significant philanthropists, an advocate for the environment and Indigenous reconciliation, and a compassionate and respected businessman.
I knew of Yuri and his quality reputation, but as we know, not everyone can easily make the transition to political life. However, when I saw him debate in Whistler it was obvious to me that he was fluent in the local, provincial, and national issues as a result of his work and life experiences. He has reasoned, intelligent, strategic positions on the issues and has clearly thought through the consequences of his views.
His opponents, on the other hand, seemed to be parroting talking points off the party script with little appreciation of the impacts of these ideologies. We cannot afford another four years of increasing costs, growing bureaucracy and lack of delivery. It’s important that we have visionary economic leadership that thinks to the future, and in that, Yuri stands out. He has built businesses and improved opportunities for British Columbians, he also sees the bigger picture and the need for a plan for this province to rebuild its lost prosperity. I am confident that he can make an outstanding contribution and is exactly the sort of person we need in public office.
I am pleased to recommend his candidacy and hope you will join me in supporting him.
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