Now entering his fourth provincial election campaign under the BC Green Party banner, local environmentalist and high school teacher Michael Wolfe has learned there needs to be “more” to this campaign.
“More effort, more money, more coordination,” Wolfe told the Richmond News this week, as the Greens aim to solidify their fourth candidate, having already named three, including Wolfe, who will compete against BC Liberal Jas Johal and NDP Amandeep Singh in Richmond-Queensborough.
More money?
Wolfe acknowledges a higher profile may be necessary in raising awareness to what he sees as the “keystone” issue in the riding — the removal of the George Massey Tunnel and expansion of Highway 99, which he contends will facilitate widespread industrial development.
“People who will be voting now, won’t be living there for long. It will become industrial, largely,” Wolfe surmised.
The tunnel removal will facilitate deeper river dredging, allowing for port expansion on farmland in Delta and Richmond, said Wolfe.
Furthermore, expanded highways will deteriorate farming viability and overall livability, he argued.
“There are a lot of studies that talk about the health and environmental impacts of highways. And we’re talking about expanding highways next to existing communities,” said Wolfe.
He counters the government’s claim that the Massey Tunnel crossing needs an immediate fix, pointing to the fact other traffic mitigation efforts haven’t been attempted.
He’d like to see trucks taken off the road during rush hour and Port of Vancouver operate on a 24/7 schedule, like other major world ports do.
Another thorn on his side is the fact Johal is a former LNG promoter, who has been parachuted into the riding.
Wolfe said Johal, “doesn’t deserve this,” and is skeptical the former TV reporter can leave his LNG associates behind, should he prevail.
Port politics aside, when you get down to brass tacks, Wolfe acknowledges he likely won’t win the riding, partly due to a monumental gap in campaign funds between himself and Johal.
In 2013, Wolfe faced BC Liberal Teresa Wat, who spent $153,452 on her campaign, compared to his $754.
His 1,678 voters contributed 45 cents, on average, to Wat’s $16 per voter.
When asked if he intends to increase spending, Wolfe said he does, but it won’t come close to the other two parties.
“It’s a circus casino versus the mom and pop trying to raise a family,” who are donating money to the Greens, explained Wolfe, pouncing on the opportunity to describe B.C’s election financing as the “Wild West.”
“My competitors, in some cases, are taking money and getting reimbursed from their employer,” said Wolfe, who, as a member of the B.C Teachers’ Federation, is opposed to union and corporate donations.
An interesting scenario could play out this election, noted Wolfe, whereby the Greens, under the leadership of sitting MLA Andrew Weaver (Oak Bay-Gordon Head), could be a power broker inside the Legislature, especially if they win three or four seats and the Liberals and NDP are neck and neck in seats (there are 85 seats; the Liberals hold 48, the NDP holds 35).
“Vancouver Island will go green,” predicted Wolfe.
The last minority B.C. government was in 1952.
Roy Sakata goes ‘Green’ for Steveston
Running for the BC Green Party in Richmond-Steveston will be retired school principal Roy Sakata, who previously considered the NDP.
Sakata ran unsuccessfully for city council in 2014.
“I am running to become the MLA for Richmond-Steveston in order to strengthen Richmond-Steveston’s sense of community,” said Sakata in a news release.
“This is a continuation of my work as a school principal and community volunteer to help make the Richmond-Steveston electoral district a stronger, more inclusive community neighbourhood. As your Richmond-Steveston MLA, I feel that I will able to see that your needs are voiced in Victoria and help actively achieve the delivery of programs and services matched to the Richmond-Steveston Electoral District’s needs.”
Meanwhile, businessman Ryan Marciniw will run in Richmond North Centre.
