It was the last day of January when Saseenos area resident Shaunna Salsman finalized her commitment to a political movement she’s long supported.
“I think I have a real future with the Green Party,” said the 32-year-old mother of two of her decision to be a candidate in the next federal election, “and they have a real future in government.”
As of late there has been no announcement as to when we’ll be heading to the polls, but the major parties, especially the ruling Conservatives, are moving into election mode with a series of ads.
Salsman says she’s a strong supporter of the Green ideals, including proportional representation. She indicates strong feelings on issues such as conservation of natural resources. Raw log exports, for example, are a particular irritant of hers.
She also hopes to do something to address growing traffic congestion-related woes.
Part of that, she explained, would involve taking steps to create local jobs so fewer people would have to commute.
Salsman chose to plunge into the political fray even though hers will be a largely self-financed campaign when the time comes. The Green Party apparatus has no established riding association, or financial resources to devote to the Esquimalt-Juan de Fuca riding.
A long-time political idealist, Salsman has served the All Sooke Arts and Crafts Association in a treasurer’s capacity and has been involved with the parents’ advisory council of the Metchosin Technical Centre.
She says she’s taken on this challenge with the full support of her husband Eric Salsman.
“He knows I’m passionate,” she relates. “He encouraged me to do something I really care about.”
Likely to be outspent by the better-financed political machines once the election writ comes down, Salsman said she’s ready to make up for a signage deficit with legwork throughout the Esquimalt–Juan de Fuca turf.
“This is a time in my life that I can work at this,” she said of the time and energy she has to contribute.
“I hope people see me as a serious option,” Salsman concluded on February 4.
“I think it’s time to vote green.”
Rounding out the slate of potential candidates for an as-yet-uncalled federal election are the following hopefuls, starting with three seeking the Liberal Party nomination whom were profiled in the January 26 issue of the Sooke News Mirror:
• Langford city councillor Lillian Szpak
• Former fire chief and deputy minister, David Hodgins
• Highlands-based medical doctor Ian MacKenzie, and
Conservative Party – lawyer Troy Desouza
NDP – Esquimalt councillor Randall Garrison.