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Ashton works with provincial finances

It was a year ago, on May 14, 2013, when MLA Dan Ashton was elected to provincial politics.

It was a year ago, on May 14, 2013, when MLA Dan Ashton was elected to provincial politics.

Ashton, from Summerland, spent two terms as mayor of Penticton and three as a municipal councillor. He has also served as chair of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.

Despite his experience in municipal politics, he said the switch to provincial politics was an adjustment.

“It was a big change,” he said. “Local governments are much more hands-on.”

Since taking office for the riding of Penticton, Ashton has served as parliamentary secretary to the Ministry Responsible for Core Review. He is also vice-chair of the Cabinet Working Group and a member of the Treasury Board.

“The premier has treated me very well,” Ashton sad. “She has put a lot of faith in me.”

He believes his record as the mayor of Penticton has helped him achieve financial posts in the legislature.

During the election campaign, Ashton focussed on his record of reducing property taxes in Penticton during his time as mayor.

He said he has worked to keep taxes low during his time as the MLA for the riding of Penticton.

At the same time, he said his priority is to bring in a proposed upgrade to the Penticton Regional Hospital.

“We’ve all got to work together to make sure this goes ahead,” he said. “This is a $300 million plus project. We want to make sure we’re doing it right.”

A feasibility study has been conducted and Ashton is anticipating an announcement on the hospital upgrade.

 



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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