An Aldergrove resident is in the running to become Fort Langley-Aldergrove's BC Conservative candidate for the next election. Nazreen Burns said she wants to challenge Liberal MLA Rich Coleman.

In a statement, Burns criticized Coleman as "arrogant and insensitive to the concerns of ordinary, everyday people." She noted his recent criticism of Surrey's city council over the decision to shoot down plans for a casino.

Burns, born in Fiji, is an office administrator and former small business owner, and has lived in Aldergrove for 22 years.

"I believe that the BC Conservatives and I will be able to make a real difference for our friends, neighbours and co-workers in Fort Langley-Aldergrove if we're successful on May 14," Burns said.

A nomination meeting will be held Feb. 13 in Aldergrove, and party leader John Cummins, running in the neighbouring Langley riding, is expected to attend. It isn't known yet if there any other challengers.

With Burns prepared to run, at least one candidate from the three largest parties has been declared in each of Langley's two provincial ridings. Along with Coleman and Burns, Shane Dyson is running for the NDP in Fort Langley-Aldergrove. In Langley, incumbent Liberal Mary Polak will face off against Cummins and the NDP's Andrew Mercier.

In Abbotsford West, an employee of the Langley Association for Community Living has been appointed the BC Conservative candidate.

Abbotsford resident Paul Redekopp is a community support worker. He's interested in change at Community Living BC, the agency that cares for special needs adults.

mclaxton@langleyadvance.com