AMHERST – A second candidate has emerged to seek the Liberal nomination for the upcoming byelection in Cumberland South.
The 52-year-old Upper Nappan resident Brian Sanderson announced Wednesday that he will be one of two candidates seeking the Liberal nomination in the riding vacated by the sudden resignation several weeks ago by PC leader and Cumberland South MLA Jamie Baillie.
“My passion has always been politics and having family in River Hebert I know about the challenges of the riding very well,” said Sanderson, who will be opposed by riding association president Scott Lockhart. “I think it’s time that we’re united in our approach for getting the most for Cumberland South.”
With the Liberal government of Stephen McNeil less than a year old, Sanderson, like Lockhart, feels the riding will be best served by having someone on the government side of the legislature as opposed to sitting in opposition for another three to four years.
He also feels that with Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin sitting as the MLA for Cumberland North, he sees the county being at a disadvantage if both MLAs are members of the opposition.
For him, the biggest issues are the need for a new elementary school in Springhill and a replacement for the Rainbow bridge on Highway 2 just outside Amherst.
“The elementary school to me is the Number 1 issue,” Sanderson said. “The students and staff at both Springhill schools deserve a new building, considering some of the challenges they’ve faced in recent years.”
Sanderson also wants to see the continued development of geothermal energy in Springhill as well as tidal power in the Minas Passage near Parrsboro. He also wants to see continued tourism development along the Fundy Shore.
“My passion has always been politics, and my background in industrial engineering, manufacturing, management and sales have made me a seasoned relationship builder and problem solver, who thrives for progress,” Sanderson said. “The riding has a diverse set of challenges and requires a leader who can understand those challenges and confidently deliver solutions for them.”
He said now is the time to have Cumberland South united and represented by a new voice, a positive outlook and a drive that doesn’t stop until its goals are achieved.
Twitter: @ADNdarrell
