Greens jump into race

Photo: Green Party

The Green Party has fielded a candidate for the Vernon-Monashee riding.

Keli Westgate, sales and marketing manager for Spa Hills Compost, has entered the race.

Westgate is the first official candidate to oppose Liberal MLA Eric Foster who is hoping to win his third election in the riding.

The NDP has yet to hold a nomination meeting although supporters say two people have expressed interest.

“I believe that people deserve a clear choice in this election,” said Westgate. “I hope to inspire many more people to get involved as this is not the time to sit on the sidelines.

“I appreciate the Green's commitment to ethics, being the only party to not accept corporate and union donations, to stand firmly against any new fossil fuel infrastructure and to allow their candidates to speak for the local people, not just the party interests.”

Westgate has a background in multimedia production and communications and is involved in efforts to get residential curbside composting going in both Salmon Arm and Vernon.

Westgate is also a director for the non-profit Sustainable Environment Network Society.