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Bell leaving politics
DELYNDA PILON
newsroom@pgfreepress.com
A rare medical condition has caused Prince George-Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell to withdraw as the Liberal candidate for the riding in this May’s provincial election. Bell made the announcement Sunday afternoon at the opening of the Liberal campaign offices in Prince George. Bell will continue his work as MLA until the election and promised in the meantime he will work with Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond on her campaign. In his prepared statement Bell explained he underwent tests midDecember for pneumonia. His doctor looked further and found what he described as a relatively rare type of aneurysm, one not often detected. “At this point I am seeing a cardiac De Ly nd a PILON/ Fre e Pre s s specialist and we are monitoring the Prince George Mackenzie MLA Pat Bell, with his wife Brenda (left), Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond, and size of the aneurysm. If it grows I will Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad at Sunday’s announcement that health reasons are forcing Bell to retire. require surgical intervention. If not, I Bond spoke briefly about a recent health scare her In his statement and comments following it Bell made may require just an ongoing monitoring family went through when her husband, Bill, underwent it clear he intends to continue to make a difference, even program.” if it is not as MLA. And he intends to ensure whoever This led him to reconsider his decision to run as MLA open heart surgery Dec. 18. She said if her husband wasn’t doing so well it may takes his place continues to fight for northern needs. for another term, stating it is a critical time for the prov“I will personally be kicking their butt all the way to ince and so just as critical each team member is able to have meant a different decision for her regarding running Victoria,” he said with typical humour. focus his or her complete attention on the work to be again as well. Though there has been speculation regarding who will Bobby Deepak, the NDP candidate for the same riding done. Holding her emotions in check with some difficulty, run for the Liberal nomination, Bell said more of the pro- as Bell, said he was surprised by the announcement. cess will be announced within a few days, and he expects “Like all of us in Prince George.-Mackenzie and in the Bond had nothing but praise for Bell. north, I was surprised and sorry to hear of Pat Bell’s deci“He has been a tireless worker, not just on behalf of the there to be several individuals stepping forward to run. Whoever wins the nomination and runs in the next sion to not seek re-election because of health concerns. I people who voted for him, but on behalf of the people of election will be a strong part of the Liberal team, both Bell want to wish him a speedy resolution of those concerns British Columbia,” she said. and I know everyone will offer that support.” A select few knew what Bell planned to announce and Bond agree. Bond said the province stands on the verge of great He added his thanks to Bell for all the years of service. during the opening of the pair’s campaign office, mostly “Though we stand on opposite sides of political issues, family. Bell said the decision not to run was finalized things. “I can tell you this. There is nothing more important I want to thank Mr. Bell for his many years of public serabout a month ago, however he didn’t want to make it public until he’d personally shared the news with all his than having experienced, strong, aggressive voices for vice. He has worked hard for Prince George-Mackenzie British Columbia,” she said. and today we are all saying thank you. We appreciate family members. She added the candidate will have big shoes to fill your effort for our community.” “It has been a long journey over the last few months,” He added he believes whoever takes Bell’s position will Bond said. “I just want to assure you of one thing, that and pointed out all the things Bell helped accomplish as be faced with the same issues. Pat is going to stand beside us. We have always run our MLA. “He’s made a difference here,” she said of Bell. “You “Whoever takes Bell’s place will have to deal with all campaigns together.” Family and health, Bond agreed, are at the top of the only have to look around the North to see the difference the B.C. Liberal’s baggage that’s in place over last the he made.” three terms.” agenda.
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