Rich Coleman in, two other Liberal MLAs out

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VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – One of Premier Christy Clark’s most prominent lieutenants is going to run for the Liberals in the next provincial election, but two other MLAs are bidding adieu.

Energy and Mines Minister Rich Coleman, the MLA for Fort Langley-Aldergrove and the minister in charge of liquor in BC, says he is strongly committed to Premier Clark and is worried about what an NDP government would do, which is the same motivation he had for first diving into provincial politics.

“What it really came down to for me was when I entered public life in 1996, I was really frustrated because I saw what was happening to the province,” he says. “I was really worried that my two children wouldn’t have careers and opportunities in BC, so that really focused me because I’m really much a family guy.”

But Coleman’s announcement comes the same day two more Liberal MLAs announced they won’t run in 2013.

West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Joan McIntyre is stepping down, saying she had always intended to serve no more than two terms since she was first elected in 2005.

Richmond Centre MLA Rob Howard is also leaving after being elected in 2009, following eight years as a city councillor.

“My wife is a two-time breast cancer survivor and she’s fine, but we had seen what happens when you get that fateful phone call and you have to be there to support your wife and your family, and in this business you have to be in Victoria,” Howard says. “After 12 years of election(s) it was time to focus more on family.”

Twelve Liberal MLAs have now announced they are not running in 2013, including former Finance Minister Kevin Falcon, Education Minister George Abbott, John Les and Mary McNeil.

Premier Christy Clark has promised a cabinet shuffle, which is expected this week.

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