A Lumby resident wants to be Okanagan-Shuswap’s representative in Ottawa.
Janet Green announced Tuesday that she will seek the Conservative nomination for the 2015 federal election.
“People need a voice. Ottawa is a long way away and they need someone they can approach,” she said.
Green joins Salmon Arm businessperson Mel Arnold in the race to replace Colin Mayes, who will retire as MP once his term is over.
Green moved to Lumby in 2005 after 35 years in administrative positions with Vancouver General Hospital and the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority.
She has been active with both the federal and provincial Conservative parties and served a term on Lumby council.
She is also a member of Vernon’s Silver Star Rotary and a former Allan Brooks Nature Centre director and has been involved with the Lumby Thrift Store Society and the Lumby Health Services Society.
“I’ve been a part of the community and know my community,” she said.
Green says she supports the government of Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
““I’d like to see a Conservative government elected again and an MP with conservative values represent the riding again,” she said.
“I will represent the residents of this region and speak loudly on their behalf.”
It’s expected a candidate will be selected Oct. 4, and beyond Green and Arnold, at least three other individuals could put their names forward.
Even with a crowded ballot, Green is hopeful she will rise to the top among local Conservative members.
“I have a lot of support in Lumby and Vernon,” she said.