CL resident puts name forward to replace Atamanenko
By Shara JJ Cooper
Christina Lake’s Margaret Maximenko is putting her name forward as a New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate to replace Alex Atamanenko in the next federal election.
Atamanenko announced last week that after three terms he will no longer be running for Member of Parliament (MP) in the next election, which is expected to be in October 2015.
Maximenko will represent the new riding called the South Okanagan West Kootenay riding, which will replace the BC Southern Interior riding.
According to Maximenko, the new details of the new riding are still being finalized but Elections Canada is hoping to have it solidified by January 2014.
“That is when the nominations will officially begin,” she said, adding that her announcement is a bit early but she’s eager to start working.
“I am excited to participate in this democratic process. Our country is currently suffering from a serious democratic deficit as evidenced by the four federal by-elections currently featuring conservative candidates who were personally handpicked by (Prime Minister) Stephen Harper.”
She said she knows that there are a few other “credible” people putting their names forward for the riding, which makes her happy because she is a fan of democracy.
One of the things that Maximenko is excited about is the opportunity work alongside Atamanenko if she is chosen to represent the NDP in the local riding.
“Alex Atamanenko leaves an amazing legacy that would be my honour to continue” Maximenko stated when asked about her intention. “Alex has served the constituents of the BC Southern Interior with determination and grace and I believe he has the most effective track record of any Member of Parliament in our corner of the world.”
The new riding will range from Nelson to Penticton and she feels her location at Christina Lake will make it easy for her to reach all areas of the riding. Included in the riding will also include Nakusp but not Cawston, Keremeos, Hedly, Princeton, Kaslo or Nelson.
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