Chan vows to regain grassroots

Former MP wins rematch against Peschisolido, will represent Liberals

Raymond Chan earned the local nomination for the federal Liberal Party Saturday night, edging the man who unseated him, Joe Peschisolido, by just 186 votes.

And after clearing the first hurdle in his bid to return to Ottawa, the two-term MP inherits a divided party.

One source told The Richmond Review that the winning margin was 186 votes.

Of the 2,634 votes cast, 1,405 had Chan's name on them, with 1,219 carrying the name of Peschisolido. There were also 10 spoiled ballots. Liberal Party representatives refused to break down the vote, only announcing that Chan was the victor and the number of total votes and spoiled ballots.

Wiping tears from his eyes as his supporters came to his side and congratulated him with hugs and hand shakes, Chan was quick to point out that a united party is crucial for success in the next election as they take on the Conservatives and NDP.

Chan welcomed his opponent's supporters, noting that Peschisolido has "many skills and much experience."

Peschisolido was classy in defeat, quickly walking up to Chan and shaking his hands.

"Well done. Let's work together in B.C.," Peschisolido said with his signature smile, his words nearly drowned out by the jubilation that surrounded Chan.

Chan, who lost to then-Canadian Alliance candidate Peschisolio in 2000, said he made mistakes early during his terms in office, but said he was committed to going back to the grassroots and listening to the concerns of his constituents before representing their views in Ottawa.

"There's a lot that I have learned in the last couple of years," he said, adding that he will try to earn the trust of locals and build on that trust.

Asked what specifically he has learned, Chan said he now knows it's not just hard work that's needed to be successful. He vows to liaise more with politicians while at the same time listening to the concerns of locals.

During his victory speech, Chan said that Richmond residents have told him they want, among other things:

• a post secondary school and training system that serves the needs of young people and our economy;
• a health care system that is there when needed;
• to see infrastructure of roads, water delivery, sewage treatment, bridges and parks maintained for future use;
• to see the environment protected;
• to be secure in communities and homes, free from the crime that seems to be all too freely occurring;
• to see the institutions of Parliament changed, so that they are more democratic and responsive to local residents' wishes;
• to see business investment in the community, creating jobs and the tax base to support social programs;
• Richmond to share fairly in the benefits to the region from hosting the 2010 Olympics.

"Only Paul Martin, our prime minister, can provide the leadership to make that happen," said Chan, who has been a long-time Martin supporter.

Asked about his return to the political arena, Chan said "it's more than me getting back into politics." He said he was proud to see the increased involvement of visible minorities in the political process.

"This contest is about who can represent the Liberal Party the best in Richmond."

Asked about the turnout of Liberal voters on Saturday, Chan said nominations meetings normally draw about 20 per cent, and this time around, about 30 per cent took part.

He felt all along that his fortunes would improve with a larger turnout on Saturday.

"I think it's important, after the nomination meeting, that we're all Liberals, working together as one Liberal Party."