It was all cheers, champagne and cake at the corner of Garden City and Blundell roads Tuesday night after MLA Linda Reid was re-elected in the Richmond East riding.
After more than 20 years serving as MLA, the results might not be surprising to most especially her mother Catherine but some were still on the edges of their seat until the final tallies came in.
I think Ive just been feeling worried for nothing, said campaign manager Susan Wells. She is the most experienced and qualified candidate in the riding.
For Reid, the campaign was exhilarating, as she couldnt name one thing she would have changed.
It feels fabulous, she said.
She raised a glass to her supporters, her volunteers, and her family, tearing a little when thanking the endless support of her sister.
To Reid, the election process speaks to what it means to be Canadian and have the right to vote.
Democracy is fragile, and I hope as many people were able to come out and cast their ballot, said the longest serving MLA in B.C. Everyone has a right to vote, but I believe its also a responsibility of citizenship.
Though a new challenge this election was adjusting to the emergence of social media and two working-parent families, making it harder to reach out to voters face to face.
Its been a different type of election, said volunteer Gail Rawle, who has worked with Reid since 1991. Not so many people were opening their doors during the day and much more were into the social networks. Phone systems are different with cell phones being more prominent than landlines.
Although coming in third, BC Conservative candidate Nathaniel Lims hopes were high as he talked to the News from his home office.
Im still happy with the way the campaign went, I had a blast, said Lim, as he surrounded himself with about 30 of his volunteers and supporters. I hope to continue to make positive change for the community.
The News couldnt reach NDP candidate Gian Sihota for comment after the numbers rolled in, but the former TransLink worker felt positive leading up to the final tally.
Im positive for the outcome, weve been working very hard on this campaign, he had said. We worked to bring people together. Theyre already cynical about politics, so we didnt want to do the attack ads. Instead, we worked to get everyone engaged, no matter who they voted for.
As for Reid, shes excited to continue to serve the Richmond East community for another four years, but not before she headed downtown Vancouver to celebrate with her Liberal counterparts.
When it comes to her in the community, shes there, said long-time volunteer Margaret McColm. Ive watched this woman make improvements to child care, and give equal respect to people no matter who they are.
