The lineup for May’s provincial election is starting to take shape.
Vernon resident Don Jefcoat will represent the Libertarian Party, taking on incumbent Liberal MLA Eric Foster.
“I chose the Libertarian banner because most of they believe is in line with how I think government should be” said Jefcoat, a cook.
“We tend to run to Victoria to bail us out, to supply our social, education, health and justice wants. Currently, the province is not able to meet the demands. Something has to change.”
Jefcoat added that the Libertarians believe residents have a right to choose who they buy their goods and services from, including those typically controlled by government such as health care, education and car insurance.
“We want to eliminate government dictatorship and bring back democracy,” he said.
“While I am Libertarian my riding comes first. I am not going to fill a seat for the Libertarian movement. I am going to represent my riding.”
Jefcoat also says there’s a need to reduce poverty and crime.
“I have worked in community service fields and non-profits a good portion of my adult life. We need to get aggressive and addressing the issues. Homelessness isn’t going to go away, crime rates will continue to rise, people will rely more and more on the already over burdened, temporary aids we have like food banks and meal programs,” he said.
“We need in-residence treatment facilities and mental health care funded. When we start addressing the causes to why people are homeless, it will be more effective to keep them homed.”