Pubdate: Wed, 25 Apr 2001 Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC) Copyright: 2001 Hacker Press Ltd. Contact: http://www.abbynews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155 Author: Marijuana Party interim president Marc Boris ELECTION 2001: NDP KICKS OFF ABBOTSFORD-MT. LEHMAN CAMPAIGN Abbotsford-Mount Lehman NDP candidate Taranjit Purewal is kicking off his campaign. Purewal is inviting the public to an open house at his headquarters, #202-2589 Cedar Park Pl., on Sunday at 2 p.m. He expects a real battle against incumbent Liberal MLA Mike de Jong, however, he said Abbotsford has been well-served by the NDP government, not de Jong. "It is time the riding received the type of honest, constructive representation it needs. When people look at our record in government, they will see that the NDP stands for their needs," said Purewal, a father of four. He pointed out to the number of schools built in Abbotsford and the new hospital announcement as examples of the NDP commitment to local families. Purewal is a manager at Penabode International lumber mill in Richmond and lives in Clearbrook. [name redacted], a Chilliwack resident, is running for the Marijuana Party of B.C. in the Abbotsford-Mount Lehman riding. [name redacted] tried to represent the party in the federal election against Langley-Abbotsford MP Randy White, however, at that time he wasn't approved by Marijuana Party interim president Marc Boris. But that's all "water under the bridge now," said [name redacted], noting party leader Mark Emery supports him. His nomination papers were served to the Abbotsford-Mount Lehman riding yesterday. [name redacted] helps represent marijuana growers in court to try to legalize marijuana for medical use. He uses marijuana to ease symptoms of glaucoma and runs the Holy Smoke Healing Centre. Four candidates have declared they are running in the Abbotsford-Mount Lehman riding, which stretches from the Fraser River to the U.S.-Canada border and from 276th Street on the west to Gladwin Road on the north side of the freeway, and to Clearbrook Road, south of the freeway. Gloria Cavacece is running for the Unity Party. There are three provincial ridings in Abbotsford and nominations for candidates close at 1 p.m. on May 3. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth