Bishop wants to replace retiring Gentner as MLA
Councillor says she won't try to hold both offices
Delta municipal councillor Sylvia Bishop, left, is seeking the NDP MLA candidacy in Delta North, now that incumbent MLA Guy Gentner, right has decided not to seek re-election in May.
Photograph by: submitted , for Surrey NOW
Delta municipal councillor Sylvia Bishop is seeking the NDP MLA candidacy in Delta North.
The 59-year-old Tsawwassen resident announced her bid Wednesday, now that incumbent MLA Guy Gentner has decided not to seek re-election in May.
A date hasn't been set yet for the Delta North NDP's candidate selection meeting.
Bishop was first elected to Delta council in 2011. The next civic election is in November 2014.
She noted that she wouldn't try to hold both offices, if elected.
"I don't know how anybody could fathom that," she said.
Bishop is a retired Delta schoolteacher, having taught at the elementary level in the north and south. She has also taught student teachers through Simon Fraser's professional development program, and worked with the BCTF.
"With Guy retiring from politics, North Delta residents need a strong and effective voice to take his place," Bishop said. "It's big shoes to fill with Guy stepping down."
She cites "affordability, health care and education" as top concerns for North Delta's families.
"As a city councillor, people know me as a fighter who stands up for people and the environment," Bishop said.
Twitter @tomzytaruk
