By Joe Johnson (The Cascade) – Email
Print Edition: May 8, 2013
Among a number of political hopefuls in the May 14 provincial election is UFV professor Simon Gibson. As well as being a member of the university’s school of business, Gibson has also served as a Councillor in the City of Abbotsford since the 1980s. He also writes an officeplace column that appears in over 20 papers, and is an avid long distance runner. With less than a week left to campaign, Gibson now has his eye on the Abbotsford-Mission riding as a member of the BC Liberals.
Why do you want to represent the people in the Abbotsford-Mission riding?
I have strong local government experience and have proven that I am a good listener, a hard worker and a problem-solver. I love our community and would like to represent our citizens in the legislature.
Getting close to the election, what have your hot topic issues turned out to be?
The Waste to Energy incinerator proposed by Metro Vancouver is totally unacceptable for our Fraser Valley residents. I pledge to work as MLA to have the plan scrapped.
Other issues: health care and education funding are critical at this time. Many students are turned away from UFV and I would like to investigate creative approaches to providing many more spaces particularly for trades and job-ready programs.
Both Abbotsford and Mission have serious social issues related to drug addiction. As MLA, I would offer to serve on a team approach to address the problem and the tragic consequences of addictions on crime and the social fabric of our communities.
How do you plan to win the election? What is your primary strategy, a strong ground game?
We are using a strategic approach through listening to constituents and building bridges with hundreds of individuals, groups and organizations.
What are some of the challenges of running in such a large geographical riding?
The riding is quite large but, unlike remote northern ridings, it is easily accessed by car. I have been travelling throughout the entire riding and have been welcomed wherever I go! My civic and regional experience gives me a strong profile in Mission and Abbotsford.
There are seven candidates, including five different parties and independents, running in the riding. How do you expect this is going to shake down in terms of support?
It is healthy for democracy to have so many candidates: it will be good for residents to see the personal and ideological differences between me and the others.
If you are elected to the provincial government how will you advocate for the people in Abbotsford-Mission?
I have been regarded as an independent thinker on Abbotsford Council and that won’t change should I be elected as a BC Liberal MLA. Although I will be part of a team, I still believe an MLA must be advocate for the issues and concerns of constituents. I will take this very seriously!
