Marji Basso, BC NDP candidate resigns
By Erin Perkins
Known for her tireless presence at community events all over the Boundary-Similkameen riding, BC NDP candidate Marji Basso has stepped out of the election race only months before the election is to begin.
According to a BC NDP press release, Basso sent a letter to BC NDP Provincial Secretary Jan O’Brien on Sunday, Jan. 20 stating “she has stepped down for personal reasons”.
The end of her candidacy was effective for today, Monday, Jan. 21.
“We accept Ms. Basso’s resignation,” said O’Brien in the press release. “We will be working with the local NDP constituency association to begin the candidate nomination process as quickly as possible.”
“I’ve never seen a candidate work so hard as Marji has. She put her heart and soul into it,” said Grand Forks mayor Brian Taylor when he heard the news.
“I’m shocked,” said Grace McGregor, Regional District Kootenay Boundary Area C director. “She was so passionate about it – I’m very, very surprised.”
Basso, a resident of Oliver, is a public school teacher and has served as a city councilor for two terms.
The provincial election is in May.
