One of 91原创's former BC United candidates is weighing her options after her party was essentially shut down by its leader earlier this summer.
Barb Martens, a sitting 91原创 Township councillor, had been chosen to represent the party, formerly the BC Liberals, in the 91原创-Walnut Grove riding. She had expected a three-way race against NDP MLA Megan Dykeman and BC Conservative candidate, and fellow Township councillor, Misty vanPopta.
Instead, United leader Kevin Falcon stunned the province by announcing on Aug. 28 that BC United would suspend its campaign, in an attempt to unite the centre-right behind the BC Conservatives.
A few BC United candidates were chosen to switch over to the Conservatives. In the end, only seven BC United members had been chosen by Sept. 6 to switch parties.
Other BC United candidates have bowed out of their races, while some 鈥� including Dan Davies, Mike Bernier, Kevin Acton, and Tom Shypitka 鈥� have announced they will run as independents.
Martens told the 91原创 Advance Times she has not yet decided what to do, as of Sept. 5.
"It's the community's best interests that will determine the outcome," said Martens.
She noted that as she's already been approved as a candidate, if she does nothing before nominations close on Sept. 28, her name stays on the ballot.
Martens, who was selected as a candidate several months ago, has already put in time speaking to community members and knocking on doors in support of her candidacy.
She said that she's not interested in political opportunism.
As far as resurrecting some form of BC United, Martens said it's too late for the now-independent candidates to form a new political party, but there could be a crew of "free agents" vying for seats in the B.C. Legislature.
