John "I'm just a private citizen" Horgan, premier Dan Miller's chief of staff, will announce tomorrow he seeking the provincial New Democrat nomination for Malahat-Juan de Fuca. That announcement will include endorsements from Mr. Miller, ex-Saanich-Gulf Islands MP Lynn Hunter and once and wannabe future MLA Corky Evans. Mr. Horgan will be running for the nomination against Cowichan Valley school trustee and communications consultant Julie Thomas. The following is an advanced copy of Mr. Horgan's press kit.

Malahat-Juan de Fuca New Democrats

For Immediate Release - September 26, 2004

John Horgan to seek NDP nomination in Malahat-Juan de Fuca

Langford - Longtime Langford resident John Horgan announced today that he will seek the NDP nomination in the provincial riding of Malahat-Juan de Fuca for the coming provincial election.

Horgan, a management consultant and former senior public servant, announced his intention to seek the nomination following the Annual General Meeting of the local riding association held in Langford over the weekend.

"People want government to tend to basic needs, health care, education, transportation and other public infrastructure. They do not want extremism and confrontation. With the Campbell government we have seen both in equal measure. They have turned our province on its head, selling our shared assets, confronting working people and communities," said Horgan.

Horgan, active in public life since the 1980's, had been urged to seek the nomination by many people in the community. However, his decision to run for elected office was sealed with the BC Ferries decision to award over $500 million to a German shipyard to construct three new ferries.

"I waited for a response from my local Liberal representative, or any other Liberal on Vancouver Island. The silence was deafening. People deserve a representative who will speak forcefully when stupidity is so apparent," said Horgan. "Government should be fostering economic development locally, not sending it to Europe."

"This next election is about what values we want to protect and what course we should follow in the decade ahead. Campbell and his extreme views are bad for BC and bad for the communities in Malahat-Juan de Fuca," said Horgan.

"Quality public health care, adequate funding for education, investing in the environment and high quality sustainable jobs: those are the priorities of British Columbians, and those are the priorities for Carole James and New Democrats," Horgan said. "If chosen to represent the NDP I will bring new energy and a positive approach to Malahat Juan de Fuca."

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For more information, contact:
(250) 360-7916 (cell)

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A Great Candidate for Malahat Juan de Fuca

* John Horgan, 45, was born and raised in Victoria, B.C.

* After finishing Reynolds High School, he travelled across Canada to find the Canadian identity before working in the pulp mill at Ocean Falls, B.C.

* After the Social Credit government closed the mill and shattered the community, he returned to Victoria and made plans for higher education.

* Attended Trent University in Peterbourgh, Ontario and received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Canadian Studies. During the summers he worked in Cobble Hill at the Cowichan Joinery.

* Attended Sydney University in Australia and completed a Master of Arts degree in History.

* In the mid 1980's, he began a career as a legislative assistant in the House of Commons, first with Jim Manly and later with Lynn Hunter.

* He returned to Victoria following the election of the Harcourt government and became an assistant to the Minister of Economic Development.

* He was quickly promoted to policy analyst in the Premier's Office, then Director of Priority Issues, and finally named Chief of Staff to Premier Dan Miller.

* After the election of the Campbell Liberals he started IdeaWorks, an independent policy, management and research firm.

* He is active in his community coaching basketball and roller hockey. He sat on the Chamber of Commerce committee for a new arena in the Westshore.

* He is site coordinator for the annual Victoria Rick Hansen Wheels in Motion Event.

* He and his family go to Pilgrim United, the hippest United Church on the Island.

* He has been married to Ellie for 20 years and their two sons, Nate 16 and Evan 14, attend Belmont High School.

* He loves basketball, hockey and cricket.

* He cycles with his dumb dog, Lizzy, down the Galloping Goose toward Sooke three times a week.

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John Horgan, A great candidate who'll be a great MLA

John cares deeply about people. His politics combine keen intelligence, compassion and a rollicking sense of humour. He brings the assets of commitment, depth of knowledge and experience to the job. Snap him up.

Lynn Hunter, former Member of Parliament

John is always positive and working to make sure everyone is treated fairly. He has my full support.

Darlene Younger, hockey mom of eight

John Horgan has the ability and the experience to be a great representative for the people of Malahat-Juan de Fuca.

Jim Manly, former Member of Parliament

He listens to my perspective and understands that small business needs flexibility to succeed.

Ken Fenton, local businessman

John will get things done. He and I worked hand in hand to establish the Columbia Basin Trust, one of the lasting legacies of our time in government.

Corky Evans, former Cabinet Minister

John is a real person that can be counted on to make a difference. He is a reason to get excited about politics.

Deb Shultz, of Sullivan’s Barber shop

He has a grasp of the issues and an uncanny ability to get to the heart of things quickly. He is intelligent, quick on his feet and would make an outstanding MLA.

Dan Miller, former Premier of BC

John is an energetic and fun guy that has helped me to understand that politics, although serious business, must include joy and enthusiasm. I will work as hard as I can to help him get elected.

John C. Russell, high school student