A former municipal councillor and federal New Democratic Party candidate is vying for the opportunity to be the party’s candidate for this riding in next year’s provincial election.
While the riding of Penticton, which includes Summerland, has been a Liberal riding since the 2001 provincial election, David Finnis believes the New Democrats are poised to make a strong showing.
“The current polls are quite encouraging,” he said. “We are seeing a terrific shift.”
He said part of the reason for the increasing popularity of the party is a dissatisfaction with the existing provincial government.
The Liberals have won majority governments in 2001, 2005 and 2009.
“We are dealing with the 10-year legacy of Gordon Campbell and Christy Clark,” he said.
Finnis has been an Okanagan resident for more than 23 years and has been a member of the B.C. New Democrats since 1987.
He was a Summerland councillor for nine years.
In addition to his political involvement, he is active in the arts, writing a weekly arts column for the Summerland Review. He also received the 2009 Arts Appreciation Award.
The party will choose its candidate for this riding on Sunday, Nov. 18.
Also seeking the NDP nomination is Dick Cannings of Naramata.