Liberals urge Port Moody mayor Joe Trasolini to run in federal by-election

“My goodness!” Port Moody mayor Joe Trasolini exclaimed, laughing. “How did you hear that?”

The fourth-term mayor was being asked by the Straight to confirm that the federal Liberals are eyeing him as a potential candidate in the by-election expected in New Westminster-Coquitlam.

MP Dawn Black has been acclaimed as the provincial NDP candidate for New Westminster in the May 12 election, and she’s expected to resign her seat very soon.

The New Westminster-Coquitlam riding straddles portions of three municipalities, namely New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Port Moody.

Trasolini lived in Coquitlam from 1974 until he moved to Port Moody in 1994.

He first won election as a councillor, and has been mayor since 1999.

So is he or isn’t he jumping into federal politics?

Trasolini said that people on the “grassroots level” have been egging him to run federally, adding, “I always listen to people when they say, ”˜We want you to represent us.’”

“I’ve been approached by grassroots people...Liberals at the grassroots level,” Trasolini said, stressing the big boys haven’t talked to him.

“I’m observing what’s happening,” he said. “As a politician, one is always open to overtures. But right now, I’m not actively engaged in that.”

Trasolini promised to call if and when he decides to make the jump.

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