Though her early lead of over 60%  has waned as the night developed, NDP candidate for New Westminster and former Federal NDP MP Dawn Black held a safe lead as the evening wore on.
An experienced politician and opposition defense critic in Ottawa, Dawn Black will now join the Provincial opposition caucus as New Westminster’s voice in Victoria.
With 142 of 148 ballot boxes reporting, BC Election Results in the riding of New Westminster are below.

New Westminster
Dawn Black
BC NDP
10,908
55.96%

Matthew Laird
Green Party of BC
1,780
9.13%

Carole Dorothy Millar
BC Liberal Party
6,804
34.91%

142 of 148 ballot boxes reported
19,492
100%

I returned home recently from casting my ballots for the Referendum on Electoral Reform and for the provincial election. Passing a ’save our schools’ sign near the parking lot of Connaught Heights Elementary School, we were greeted warmly by our fellow citizens and after a short paperwork check, we voted. I am one of those kooks that really like voting and now as I write, my wife and I are glued to our radios and computers, absorbing the returns (none yet) as they come in.

One point that struck me was …

During the 2009 BC Election Campaign, an opportunity has been provided to all election candidates in the riding to post a brief message to their constituents. These messages will not be edited.
In the guest post below, BC Green Party Candidate Matthew Laird has responded with a few words to the voters.

Matthew Laird is well known in New Westminster for his advocacy for a more liveable city. He has a strong record of service in this community and can always be seen volunteering at events around town. As a founder …

During the 2009 BC Election Campaign, an opportunity has been provided to all election candidates in the riding to post a brief message to their constituents. These messages will not be edited.
In the guest post below, BC Liberal Candidate Carole Millar has responded with a few words to the voters.
In these uncertain times New Westminster needs proven leadership focused on securing jobs and supporting our economy. Nobody is more qualified for that than Premier Gordon Campbell and the BC Liberal team.
I want to ensure our community continues to prosper by …

During the 2009 BC Election Campaign, an opportunity has been provided to all election candidates in the riding to post a brief message to their constituents. These messages will not be edited.

In the guest post below, NDP Candidate Dawn Black has responded with a few words to the voters.
Dawn Black has been a strong advocate for New Westminster for years.

As a Member of Parliament, Dawn pushed for investment in public transit, a comprehensive anti-gang strategy, and keeping good, family-supporting jobs in our community.

Dawn has worked closely with seniors, parents and …