She’s no stranger to the inner workings of municipal politics, but now Kate Graham is going to take a shot at running for office at the provincial level.
Graham announced Thursday night she’s seeking the nomination for the Liberals in London North Centre for next year’s election.
“I am acutely aware of how important the provincial government is to decisions and the quality of life here in London. I believe we need great representatives who really believe in this city, and continue to champion that cause, so that’s why I’m running,” said Graham during a Facebook Live broadcast, Thursday.
Graham has spent the last 10 years working at city hall, most recently as director of community and economic innovation.
At her campign launch, Graham said her work at 300 Dufferin has allowed her to get involved with different levels of government on countless issues.
“That would include asking for investment in key projects like high-speed rail. It included advocating for positions that would benefit London when there’s decisions made at Queen’s Park that have a profound impact on the social, economic, political, cultural, and environmental well-being of our city,” she said.
Graham believes we need to aim higher as a city, as a province and the Liberals as a party.
“I think that we can demand better. I would like to see an election that’s less focused on picking apart things that aren’t going well, but instead coming forward with ideas. One of the things that’s really exciting about this election is we do see new faces coming forward, new ideas, and I believe that’s where change will come from. Within the party, within our riding, within the city and within our province,” she said.
Deb Matthews confirmed two weeks ago that she would not seek re-election in London North Centre after representing the riding for the Liberals for the past 15 years. Former federal MP Susan Truppe will be running for the Progressive Conservatives, while Ward 13 Councillor Tanya Park is seeking the NDP’s nomination in the riding.
The provincial election will be on or before June 7, 2018.