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The Hope
Standard
British soccer camp coming to Hope rec centre 15
Office: 604.869.2421
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25, 2012
w w w. h o p e s t a n d a r d . c o m n e w s @ h o p e s t a n d a r d . c o m
NEW TRAIL OPENS IN FRASER CANYON Tikwalus Heritage Trail is located north of Alexandra Lodge
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JENNA HAUCK / BLACK PRESS
New Chilliwack-Hope MLA Gwen O’Mahony (centre) celebrates her byelection victory with B.C. NDP leader Adrian Dix and MLA Carole James on Thursday at Bravo Restaurant in Chilliwack. O’Mahony garnered 41.55 per cent of the vote, followed by Liberal Laurie Throness with 32.12 per cent.
Shirley McPherson and Sammy share a unique bond
NDP wins in Chilliwack-Hope Gwen O’Mahony’s first priority is increasing accessibility
Kerrie-Ann Schoenit, Jessica Peters and Robert Freeman Black Press
Gwen O’Mahony is heading to Victoria to represent ChilliwackHope. The NDP candidate garnered 41.55 per cent of the vote in Thursday’s byelection, followed by Liberal Laurie Throness with 32.12 per cent, BC Conservative John Martin with 25.32, and Libertarian Lewis
Clarke Dahlby with 1.01. The preliminary voting results show that 14,013 ballots were cast. “I’m overjoyed and completely honoured to be voted in as the next MLA for this area,” said O’Mahony, to a large crowd of NDP supporters that packed into Bravo Restaurant in Chilliwack on Thursday night. “I’m humbled by the amount of support. It was exciting to see that we started out strong in the polls
and maintained it.” O’Mahony pointed out that her journey to victory started three years ago when she first ran for the NDP in Chilliwack-Hope. Since then she’s been inspired by former federal NDP leader Jack Layton, who was elected as an MP on his third campaign. “I carried his message of not giving up despite what you’re being told,” said O’Mahony.
“I’ve got a year and a bit to show myself and prove myself. I know that trust and respect is something that is earned and not given away. I can’t wait to get to work for this wonderful community.” Looking ahead, O’Mahony said her first priority will be trying to establish an office in Hope and Chilliwack to increase accessibility with constituents. Continued on 3
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