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Letters: Liberal brass defends Dalton

Party says Dalton has ably served his constituents

Editor, The News:

Regarding Marc Dalton running to be candidate for the Conservative Party of Canada and now sitting as an independent MLA: there have been a few letters in both local newspapers that have been less than accurate in stating their opinions as facts.

Mr. Dalton has always had the desire to be involved in federal politics and government. It was not “stunning” that he would choose to take the opportunity to explore his option.

What was a surprise is present MP Randy Kamp’s decision not to run in the next federal election.

Dalton has said in the past that he would not challenge Randy Kamp in a nomination race, but when the situation changed with Kamp’s announcement, Dalton then chose to seek the nomination.

The decision to step out of the BCLiberal caucus was an honourable one by Dalton, extending his courtesy to the premier and fellow MLAs.

He has not, as has been mentioned, “turned his back on” or “burned all his bridges with Christy Clark’s BCLiberal government.”

It is my understanding that if unsuccessful in the nomination, he will be welcomed back to the BC Liberal Caucus.

It has also been suggested that Dalton is “double dipping” when in fact, he has taken a significant cut in his pay by sitting as an independent MLA.

To suggest that Dalton will “be working on his campaign from his MLA office” is as unfair an accusation as it would be to say the same of the other person running for the nomination, who presently works in Kamp’s MP office.

Marc Dalton has ably served his constituents.

With the support of Premier Christy Clark, he has delivered many benefits for our communities.

I wish to thank him for his hard work and dedication to Maple Ridge-Mission in representing the riding as a BC Liberal MLA and now as an independent MLA.

Regardless what the future holds for Marc, we will ensure that we continue to fight for the families of our communities.

Craig Rudd, president,

Today’s BCLiberals

Maple Ridge-Mission

Riding Association