Jackie Lee told the Richmond News he’ll be on the ballot for the Oct. 19 provincial election, no matter what.
His fate as the BC United candidate in Richmond-Steveston was thrown into doubt when the party’s leader, Kevin Falcon, announced in late August he was suspending the election campaign and urged support for the Conservative Party of BC.
This was after a deal was struck between the two parties to unite the right in order to defeat the current BC NDP government.
The Conservative Party of BC said at that point they would be solidifying candidates by Labour Day.
On Tuesday evening, the Conservative party’s campaign director Angelo Isidorou told the News that Michelle Mollineaux was their candidate in Richmond-Steveston and not Lee.
Lee told the News on Wednesday he’s still in discussions about his candidacy but there are a lot of “mixed messages” circulating.
But his intention is to run in the election in Richmond-Steveston, either under party banner or as an independent.
Lee said he’s been contacted by groups in Richmond and “community leaders” who want him on the ballot.
He's still canvassing and preparing to put up lawn signs on Sept 21 when the election is officially called.
Lee said he’s been living in Richmond for 30 years and this is what residents are looking for in a candidate.
“Voters needs someone living in Richmond and always willing to listen,” he said.
He noted Mollineaux doesn’t live in Richmond.
However, Mollineaux told the News she has strong connections to the community through her work at ZEMA and as a volunteer with Grade 12 students at McMath secondary.
“So, while I may not sleep in Richmond-Steveston, I am definitely embedded in the heart of the community," she said in an email.
Parvan Bahia has stepped down as the BC United Richmond-Queensborough candidate. The News has reached out to BC United candidate for Richmond Centre Wendy Yuan.
Lee said, while he wants to represent Richmond-Steveston in Victoria, his one regret is the emotional toll the process is taking on his wife and son.
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