New Westminster Liberal candidate Hector Bremner wasn't surprised in the least to see his party top the polls on election night.
Although votes were still being tallied at The Record's press time, the Liberals appeared to be headed to forming a majority government.
"There was no doubt in my mind that we would form government again," Bremner said. "I have been completely clear on that. Adrian (Dix) was getting a pass from the media and everybody about a lot of different things. Christy (Clark) would say one thing and all hell would break loose."
Bremner said it's clear that his campaign helped build support for the Liberals in New Westminster.
"People were genuinely excited about seeing something different happen in New Westminster, not just a passing of the baton, another coronation," he said, referring to the NDP stronghold.
With 102 of 103 polls counted, NDP candidate Judy Darcy had 10,270 votes, compared to Bremner's 7,208. Following behind were Green party candidate Terry Teather at 1,745, Conservative candidate Paul Forseth at 1,011, independent candidate James Crosty at 851 and Libertarian candidate Lewis Dahlby at 153.
Bremner believes British Columbians made a wise choice in reelecting the B.C. Liberals.
"I don't see another group that worked harder than us. I think we had the right plan, the right agenda. I think we put forward the right message. We actually stayed positive. We put forward a vision-based plan for New Westminster," he said. "I am really, really happy that fortunately the province is going to remain on the right track for the next four years. It's a crucial four years, as I have said throughout this campaign."
Green party candidate Terry Teather was thrilled with the fact that his party elected its first MLA to the legislature. Andrew Weaver was elected MLA for Oak Bay - Gordon Head, becoming the party's first MLA.
"I think this is fantastic," Teather said. "I think it is outstanding. It allows us to build on that."
Teather was surprised at the Liberals' victory. "It goes to show you can't put a lot of faith in the polls," he said.
Conservative candidate Paul Forseth was pleased with the election results provincially.
"I'd say the results are good for the province and not good for New Westminster," he said. "I have a deep respect for all the candidates in New Westminster. They were all really good. We had a predictable result in New Westminster."
Forseth said he hoped to bring conservative values to the legislature, values that include fiscal and personal responsibility.
"I have talked about conservative values," said Forseth, who has represented the city in Ottawa as a Member of Parliament. "Those conservative values in some respect have been supported but supported through the Liberal Party."
Forseth was surprised at how well the Green Party fared across B.C. At The Record's press time, the Greens had 8.22 per cent of the vote in New Westminster, compared to the Conservatives' 4.76 per cent.
Independent candidate James Crosty said he'll be holding Darcy's "feet to the fire" to ensure she continues to apply pressure to have a new high school built. www.twitter.com/TheresaMcManus
