AMHERST - Mark Austin will represent New Democrats in the upcoming federal byelection for Cumberland-Colchester-Mus-quodoboit Valley.
The Old Barns resident has family roots in Cumberland County in that his grandfather was a Springhill coal miner.
"We still have true community here and people who really care about nature. It's time to build a resilient economy around those assets," said the 50-year-old wild blueberry farmer and sustainability co-ordinator.
Austin has been assisting the Truro with its planning strategy review over the past year.
He will be acclaimed at the NDP nomination meeting on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., at the Truro fire hall.
North River's Karen Olsson, who finished second in last year's federal election, was prepared to run again, but has stepped aside to make way for Austin.
"The right candidate has come along. Mark's vision and leadership abilities are just what we need right now. He has my complete support," Olsson said.
Longtime MP Bill Casey's departure has set the stage for a wide open race. New Democrats hope to carry the momentum of their provincial majority win into the federal byelection, having captured three of five provincial seats that fall within the federal riding.
"We're going to work hard as a team to make this election about serving our community, not about partisan politics," said Austin, who is new to politics but a longtime community organizer.
Austin's nomination will add another candidate to the field to replace Casey, who resigned his seat in the spring to take a job with the province in Ottawa.
Jim Burrows was recently nominated as the Liberal candidate while Scott Armstrong is running for the Conservatives.
Amherst native Jason Blanch is expected to run for the Green Party.
No date has yet been set for the byelection. By electoral law, the by election in in the riding must be called by Oct. 31.
dcole@amherstdaily.com
Austin to represent NDP in federal vote
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Comments
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- Robert
- - February 24th, 2010 at 23:46:11
Remember... as much as you like the Provincial NDP they are *NOT* like their federal cousins. The NS party is left of center. The federal party is so far left it's not funny. Most of the federal party is made up of fringe candidates that embrace ideals most of us would be very uncomfortable with. Before you put yourself squarely behind them do yourself a favour and read up on the party and their many candidates (not just the ones we know about in our area). What you read may just surprise you. If then you're still comfortable with them, fine, at least you're aware...
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- jack
- - February 24th, 2010 at 23:46:06
Anybody but Scott Armstrong
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- Moriarty
- - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:40
Much like the last campaign, I believe this one will be very regionally focused. The people of CCMV demonstrated last time that they don't necessarily go with the flow.
Harper knows he can't take this seat, which is why he's waiting so long to call the byelection.
I don't see the Liberal fortunes increasing anytime soon. Unfortunately for them, the provincial party left them high and dry in this area during the campaign, which means their organization is suffering right now.
The NDP organization is fully mobiliized and energized. Quite often it comes down to the local candidate and his or her organization, the records kept from previous campaigns, and the lines of communication with *on the ground* troops. -
- Moriarty
- - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:33
....I hope you're prepared to win Mark...cause we're gonna send you ALL THE WAY!!
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- Dairyman
- - February 24th, 2010 at 23:45:26
Mark is a strong candidate who was approached by other parties to run in this by-election. The fact he chose the NDP only solidifies his commitment to this region. I just hope we, the voters, get out and support a truly independent thinker with strong roots in the region.
