Salmon Arm Conservative seeking major role

VERNON – Having run for Shuswap MLA in the May election, Conservative member Tom Birch is looking to change his role at the party's annual general meeting next month in Vernon.

Birch, of Salmon Arm, will be putting his name in for the position of president.

"I'd been considering where I could best serve the party and the people of B.C.," Birch says.

He's eager to take on the duties of the president, including organizing members, supporting candidates, and strategizing for the next election.

"The main thrust is to make sure the party is organized to step into the next election," Birch says. "Having gone through the last election, I understand what is needed for the candidates."

The annual general meeting hasn't been held in the Okanagan for some years, and Birch says it's great timing.

"In the Shuswap we have the highest number of members, and in Vernon lots as well," he says. "It's timely to have it so close to our support base."

He says the party will be discussing what went wrong in the last election, and how to better situate themselves for the next one.

"I believe we have a lot to offer, and a lot of work to do," Birch says.

Birch works for a forestry-software company and expects the volunteer position of president could be "a very heavy workload." But for a party he has all his faith in, it's worth it.

"I believe this is a party that is desperately needed. I believe this (government) isn't what B.C. wants but that people are afraid to vote for us because they don't know if we're viable. We have to prove we are," Birch says.

At the September 14 meeting, candidates for the leadership role will also announce themselves. Birch says Dan Brooks of Nechako Lakes has indicated he will be running, and has heard reports of several others.

"The meeting will be the kick-off to the leadership race," Birch says.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca, call (250)309-5230 or tweet @charhelston.