NDP - Chris Wilson
As a wrestler, Chris Wilson took home numerous awards and medals and represented Canada at the Olympic Games.
Next week the NDP candidate for Coquitlam-Burke Mountain is hoping to add another victory to his resume - but this time in the political arena.
"People want change," he said. "Even if they are not sure if they are going to vote NDP, they are really tired of the Liberals."
On the doorsteps, Wilson said many people are not able to identify the current MLA for the riding, an issue he wants to rectify if elected.
Town hall meetings and greater input from the community would be a priority, he said, and would help guide his decision-making in Victoria.
"When I ask people who their MLA is, most people can't answer," he said. "I think that is just tragic. I would be devastated if, after four years, people didn't know who I was."
The NDP platform will also go a long way toward improving the transit infrastructure in the riding, an issue Wilson said is the top priority for the voters he has spoken with.
If it wins a majority, the BC NDP will dedicate a portion of the carbon tax to transportation infrastructure, funds that will be used to improve service in Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, Wilson predicted.
With so much development in the riding, Wilson said it is time for government to step in and help build the infrastructure necessary to serve the local population.
Schools are also needed in the area and Wilson notes that the last time the NDP was in power 20 schools were built in the district.
However, he is quick to point out that a vote for the NDP will not set the clock back to the 1990s.
Wilson is aware of the negative connotations associated with his party dating back to the last time they were in power, but said there are a lot of different faces and new ideas as the NDP heads into the 2013 election.
"It is a much different party with a different focus on a strong business economy," he said. "I'm a firm believer in free enterprise, but responsible free enterprise. What we have had for far too long has not been responsible."
For more information go to chriswilson.bcndp.ca.
