It may be THE swing riding of the province. It has been red, blue, and even orange. It was Elizabeth Weir’s riding when she served as NDP leader. In the past two elections, the riding was won by fewer than 100 votes. Even the NDP ran tight races, coming in as a very close third to either the Liberals or the Progressive Conservatives. It’s anyone’s race to win. As such, all the parties are putting in a strong effort in this always-exciting riding.
The Liberals are running superstar city councilor Gerry Lowe. Gerry is incredibly popular in the city and is notable for playing a part in the city’s growth and revitalization. In recent years, Lowe has played an integral role in both destroying derelict buildings and building new assets to the city’s infrastructure; from the Saint John Field House, to splash pads, and barge terminals.
The New Democrats are running their leader, Jennifer McKenzie. McKenzie is running her party with a tight, concise, and rather brilliant platform (quite possibly the most brilliant platform the party has presented in twenty years). McKenzie’s plan for a $15 minimum wage would reinvigorate Saint John’s failing economy by infusing the consumer with stronger buying power. Add to that the NDP’s plan to institute an affordable daycare plan that would be based in the province’s schools (saving tens of thousands on infrastructure per annum), and working parents would also be strengthened without great cost to the province. Surely McKenzie will have the support of New Democrats right across the province in this crucial swing riding.
The PCs offered up retired teacher Barry Ogden. Ogden is known widely for his Marco Polo projects as well as his marigolds on Main Street project. Ogden has also worked on revitalization projects to save historical properties including Loyalist House and the Canada Games Stadium. Barry Ogden may find that his biggest challenge comes from the reputation he has built for himself; saving the city as opposed to those who live in it. In a riding where poverty is at critical levels, Ogden has chosen to conserve history rather than help people. Still, he has proven himself to have determination and drive. Should he refocus his efforts on people, he may become a strong champion for the people of Saint John Harbour.
Wayne Dryer is again the Green candidate. This is his third time running for Saint John Harbour, though the first time he ran was as a New Democrat. Wayne has been a part of the community for decades, having worked for the community with his church, as an employer, as social activist, and an advocate of environmental causes. Wayne is, just as the first three, a superstar candidate.
The most direct threat to Mr. Ogden’s political capital is Margot Brideau of the People’s Alliance. Mrs. Brideau’s private sector experience is in redevelopment of the city’s downtown corridor. As one half of Historica Developments, Brideau is self tasked with the revitalization of historical properties. However, this is where the similarities with Ogden end. Whereas Ogden seeks to save the historical components of the city for posterity, Brideau and her husband do it for personal financial gain. Brideau, who is either a native of Quispamsis or Halifax based on which autobiography you read, has revamped uptown warehouses into upscale lofts that many may find unaffordable in the poverty stricken city. She still has not been given a profile on the People’s Alliance official website.
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