Invermere mayor will seek NDP nomination to replace MLA Norm Macdonald

He’s one of the youngest politicians in the region and is looking to add another feather in his cap, seeking the B.C. NDP nomination to represent Columbia River–Revelstoke in the upcoming 2017 provincial election.

Gerry Taft is Invermere’s mayor and a small business owner. He owns the Stolen Church Coffee Co and Gerry’s Gelati Café, which is located in Invermere and Radium.

Taft is a long-time municipal politician who began his career as a District of Invermere councillor at the age of 20, and is currently in his third term as mayor.

“Although I very much enjoy my current position as mayor of Invermere and serving on the Regional District of East Kootenay board, I find that many of the most frustrating aspects of my current position involve interactions with and the failings of the current provincial government,” Taft said.

“I think there is a great opportunity to make our province better for every British Columbian, but that will only happen with a change of government.”

Norm Macdonald recently announced he won’t run in the 2017 provincial election for the riding which he has represented since 2005.

Taft said he leaves big shoes to fill.

“Norm, although he is always modest, respectful and diplomatic, is a very strong voice for the people of this region,” he said.

“I’ve known him since he was first elected, and I’ve admired the way he has represented our interests. He always put his constituents first, ahead of any personal benefit. And he has provided support and guidance to me as mayor, and as a friend.”

Taft’s community activism to date includes leading the fight in the Columbia Valley against the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and he is a vocal opponent of the Jumbo Resort and the Jumbo Mountain Resort Municipality.

Local B.C. NDP members in good standing for a minimum of 90 days will be eligible to select the candidate that will represent the party in this riding. The nomination convention is expected to occur in the fall.

The NDP is very active in this riding and a number of candidates for nomination are expected to put their names forward in the weeks ahead.