A man who's made his presence felt at New Westminster city hall is pondering politics on the provincial front.
Longtime Royal City resident James Crosty said a number of New Westminster residents have asked him to run as an independent in the May 14 provincial election. He said some residents have indicated they are interested in voting for an independent, who would represent the people and not a party.
"An independent candidate may just be the answer for those who want to vote but are not happy with the traditional choices," he said in an email to The Record. "Further, in the event of a minority government, New Westminster, and other communities, may well benefit from an independent member in the provincial legislature. Is that candidate me? Many from both sides are asking."
Crosty said he's currently dealing with personal and family issues that take priority and prevent him from making a decision at this time.
New Westminster NDP MLA Dawn Black will retire when the election is called. Other candidates running locally are: Hector Bremner (B.C. Liberal), Judy Darcy (NDP), and Paul Forseth (B.C. Conservatives).
Crosty, who was one of four candidates vying for the mayor's seat in the 2011 municipal election, said there are a number of "disenfranchised" NDP voters who are disappointed with the party "parachuting" a candidate into New Westminster, and B.C. Liberal Party supporters who are disenfranchised by the current provincial government so an independent may be an option in this election.
