James Lewis | Email news tips to jlewis@cknw.com
6/3/2012
Constance Barnes is stepping down as park board chair to seek the provincial NDP nomination in Vancouver-False Creek.
"There’s just no voice, so in my opinion it's time. I'm not getting any younger. I just think in my heart and soul, it's what I want to do. I feel very passionate about this place."
Barnes says she will remain as a park board commissioner.
The riding is currently held by Liberal Minister of Children and Family Development Mary McNeil.
Barnes says she's ready for her critics to bring up her checkered past.
In 2009, she pleaded guilty to impaired driving, after crashing into a house in south Vancouver.
Barnes says times have changed.
"Bring it on! June 12 of this year is three years sobriety. So I’m fine with it, I’m fine with it. I have had a while lifestyle change. I have great support systems in place."
Barnes was given a one-year driving ban and fined $2,000.
Meanwhile, NPA park board commissioner Melissa de Genova says Barnes obviously knew before last November’s municipal election that she would launched her provincial bid.
“We haven't even been sworn in for six months as a park board, and she obviously knew that this was what she wanted to do. I'm disappointed that she chose to run as a park commissioner in the past election."
De Genova says Barnes has used the board as a political stepping stone, and her announcement will likely trigger a costly by-election.
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