Although it’s been almost a year since Richard Lee lost his job, he’s still surveying the scene to figure out where to apply for his next position.
For 16 years he was the MLA for Burnaby North.
He was first elected in 2001 as part of the decimation that nearly wiped the provincial NDP off the political map.
In that election, the B.C. Liberals, led by Gordon Campbell, took all but two seats in the legislature.
Lee went on to serve four terms. Although he was never appointed to cabinet by Campbell or his successor Christy Clark, he was given a couple of parliamentary secretary positions and named deputy speaker during his tenure.
But in last May’s election he was voted out of office, losing to Janet Routledge of the NDP.
Lee said since then he’s been keeping an eye on the Burnaby political scene.
He said he feels he has to because all of the city’s elected representation at the federal, provincial and municipal levels comes from the NDP, with the exception of federal Liberal Terry Beech in Burnaby North-Seymour.
“There’s no opposition now in Burnaby,” said Lee, 64. “To keep them accountable is important.”
Lee said he’s had some people ask if he’s going to run in the Oct. 20 civic election and encouraging him to do so.
The inquiries have him contemplating the daunting task of taking on the NDP-based Burnaby Citizens Association, led by Mayor Derek Corrigan, who is in his 16th year in office and 31st year as a member of city council.
The BCA has held a continuous majority on council since 1987, and for the last three terms has swept all council and board of education positions.
“It’s a big challenge,” said Lee.
