The Progressive Conservative Party of P.E.I. is making no apologies for getting an early start on what members describe as an energetic byelection campaign.
Charlottetown Coun. Melissa Hilton was acclaimed as the party’s candidate for the District 11 byelection, which will be held on Nov. 27, during a nomination meeting at Murchison Centre Wednesday night.
Hilton’s acclamation was no surprise, with campaign signs erected in the district earlier Wednesday.
Although Elections P.E.I. said the signs contravened the Elections Expense Act, since Hilton was not a registered candidate, and requested they be taken down, party officials declined and said they had a different interpretation of how the act is written.
When asked about the issue, Hilton said she didn’t “understand the drama.”
“The signs went up after the writ was dropped. My papers were put in place, no others papers were put in, so our signs were ready and we put them up,” said Hilton. “It’s showing that we have a very energetic and excited group of people ready to work hard so we can win this seat.”
Party president Charles Blue said he was thrilled to have Hilton as a candidate.
During a speech to members, he said he was sure Hilton would win the byelection and referenced the signage issue.
“The reason I know we’re going to win this byelection is the Liberals, after 10 years, could only get 80 votes at their nominating convention. Furthermore, they have yet to put any of their signs up,” Blue said to applause.
Hilton, currently the city’s finance chairwoman, has been a councillor since 2005 and has since been re-elected three times.
She holds a bachelor of arts with a major in psychology and lives with her husband, Rob, and two daughters.
Hilton said District 11 residents face a number of issues common to all Islanders, including a lack of access to health care and affordable housing, overcrowded schools and rising taxes.
“When thinking about these issues and how I could make a difference, a positive contribution to our district, I quickly came to the conclusion the best way to do this was to become and be part of the Progressive Conservatives,” she said.
Party leader James Aylward said he was honoured to have Hilton put her name forward.
He said Hilton’s experience, passion and commitment in municipal governance would make her a strong voice for the district.
“We have work ahead of us, but we’re ready and will hit the ground running,” he said.
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