NDP Candidate Wish List for Niagara Area Ridings

I got a call form a reporter at Niagara This Week a few days back asking if I knew who the NDP was going to run in Niagara Falls for the 2007 provincial election. I didn’t have a clue, but it got me thinking about the best and brightest possible candidates for the NDP, both provincially and federally, in the Niagara Region.

Niagara Falls Riding

Wayne Redekop: Lawyer, former Mayor of Fort Erie, and long-time NDP member. He would, by far, be the best possible candidate for the NDP in this riding.

Tom Braybrook: I don’t think he’s still an NDP member, but this former Niagara-On-The-Lake town councillor would make a great candidate.

Wayne Gates: Past federal candidate in 2004 and 2006, Gates is President of CAW 199, the largest private sector union local in Niagara and is one of the hardest working candidates I know.

Janice Wing: She’s not an NDP member, but has been a strong progressive voice on Niagara Falls city council since 1997, sits on her union executive, and was endorsed in the last municipal election by the Niagara Falls & District Labour Council.

Welland Riding

Malcolm Allen: Well respected and articulate Pelham town councillor who sits on the executive of CAW Local 199. Currently a member of the NDP.

Rick Alakas: Welland city councillor, New Democrat, and popular labour leader.

Cindy Forster: Former Mayor of Welland who currently sits on Niagara Regional Council. She’s an active New Democrat with a strong base of support.

Shawn Wilson: Newly-elected Thorold city councillor. This New Democrat’s impressive municipal campaign caught many pundits off guard.

St. Catharines Riding

Jeff Burch: Labour negotiator, newly-elected St. Catharines city councillor, and past NDP candidate in 1995 and 2006.

Greg Washuta: I don’t think he’s a card carrying New Democrat, but this well respected and long-serving St. Catharines city councillor has a very progressive voting record.