Another hopeful has joined the race for the B.C. Conservative Party nomination in the Fort 91原创-Aldergrove riding.

鈥淚t鈥檚 definitely time for a change,鈥� Rick Manuel said in a written announcement released Thursday, Jan. 31.

鈥淩unning as a Conservative allows me to remain open to a wide range of new, overdue ideas and input from citizens who don鈥檛 feel comfortable voting with the NDP yet and are totally disillusioned with the Liberals.鈥�

Manuel retired two years ago as Superintendent of Critical Care Programs within the B.C.  Ambulance Service.

He cites additional experience as a business consultant, labour relations manager, human resources agent, coach, mentor, and institute teacher.

鈥淚 have been fortunate to have a varied career which has produced valuable contacts, skills, and abilities in leadership and management within large public service entities,鈥� Manuel said.

He lists smart meters among his concerns, calling the government鈥檚 handling of the controversy 鈥渁ppalling鈥� and 鈥渄ysfunctional 鈥� a weekly newspaper cartoon and area of discontent for many residents.鈥�

Manuel lives in the Salmon River neighbourhood with partner Victoria Urquhart.

He describes himself as a hobby farmer and gardener, diver, pilot, 鈥減assionate dog lover,鈥� member of the 91原创 Harley Owners Group (HOG), and volunteer at the Community Police Office in the Township.

Manuel鈥檚 announcement comes a week after Aldergrove resident Nazreen Burns, an office administrator and former small business owner, said she would be seeking the BC Conservative nomination in Fort 91原创-Aldergrove.

Burns, a married mother of three adult children, said her decision to run for a seat in the Legislative Assembly in the May 2013 provincial general election was inspired in part by the growing arrogance of the incumbent BC Liberal MLA, Rich Coleman

鈥淚t鈥檚 unfortunate that the more time Coleman has spent in elective office 鈥� and it鈥檚 now been close to 17 years 鈥� the more arrogant and insensitive he鈥檚 become to the concerns of ordinary, everyday people,鈥� said Burns.

The party鈥檚 members will decide on their candidate at a nomination meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 13 at the Super 8 Hotel in 91原创, 26574 Gloucester Way. The hotel is located near the 264 Street exit off Highway 1. Registration begins at 7 p.m., with the meeting starting art 7:30 p.m.

BC Conservative Party leader John Cummins , held by Transportation Minister Mary Polak.