MLA-elect ready to serve all Vernon-Lumby constituents

“This role is very non-partisan, and I say, even in the past four terms to federal counterparts and to neighbouring MLAs, that we hold the political stripes which we believe represent and align with our values the best, but once we’re elected, this role is very non-partisan and it’s my commitment to every single person in Vernon-Lumby that I’m everybody’s MLA and I am committed to serving everyone equally with respect and care.”

Sandhu added she wants to stay connected to the public by being in touch directly with constituents and trying to find solutions to their challenges.

It was a close race, with Sandhu winning the seat over Conservative Party of B.C. candidate, Dennis Giesbrecht, who earned 11,359 (40.97 %) votes. Kevin Acton, the Mayor of Lumby, ran as an Unaffiliated candidate and earned 4,299 (15.39%) votes, while Robert Johnson of the Libertarian Party earned 265 (0.96%).

“I want to thank all candidates, from the bottom of my heart, for putting their names forward,” Sandhu told Vernon Matters.

“I know it takes a lot of courage, commitment and dedication, and also many sacrifices, you’re always under public scrutiny. It’s a lot of gratitude I have for them putting their names forward. The more names we have on the ballot, it gives people more choice, and that’s what keeps our democracy strong and alive.”

She said she liked her time on the campaign trail this year, noting she didn’t focus on polls but instead tried to meet people face-to-face and hear about their personal experiences and feedback, a practice she tried to follow in her last term and one she plans to carry over to the next four years.

She added the input gathered can help her better understand challenges people face when it comes to things like affordability, housing, health care and more, and plans to use the feedback and insight to help shape policy moving forward.

Sandhu said she also wants to see projects and initiatives she advocated for that could work in the riding come to fruition during her next term in office, such as getting the second Primary Care Centre, Foundry Centre, and psychiatric wing of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital open and operational.

Additionally, she committed to working with municipalities, industries and business, and the general public to create jobs and bolster the economy in all sectors.

Sandhu spent a portion of her first term serving as the Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors’ Services and Long Term Care, though as of time of publication, did not know if she would be back in that role or would be able to move up to lead a ministry.

“I am willing to participate in any capacity, any role that Premier David Eby will see best suited for my abilities and for the area as well, and I look forward to any responsibility and I’m ready to do it diligently,” the MLA-elect told Vernon Matters.

A date for the swearing- in of government remains to be determined.

by Liam Verster

MLA-elect ready to serve all Vernon-Lumby constituents

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