D.O.A. front man Joey “Shithead” Keithley to run for BC NDP
By Dylan Hackett, News Editor
Last week, the BC NDP formally approved the nomination papers for Vancouver’s most famous punk musician and activist, Joe Keithley. Keithley, known to most as Joey Shithead, is vying for official candidacy to run in the riding of David Lam campus, Coquitlam-Burke Mountain, against incumbent Douglas Horne, who has held the seat since 2009.
“I am seeking the NDP nomination in the riding of Coquitlam-Burke Mountain in the next BC provincial election. I have decided, at this time, this will be the best was for me to make a positive difference in this world. My friends, nothing has changed for me, justice for all. Talk – Action = 0. Thanks my friends,” announced Keithley.
The 56-year-old Keithley, who previously ran as a Green Party candidate in the 1996 and 2001 elections in the defunct riding of Burnaby-Willingdon, hopes for the race in the growing riding (the home of the largest residential developments in Coquitlam) to be exciting.
“I always enjoy a challenge – I think it’s going to be great,” said Keithley. “And I think it is going to be a lot of fun and exciting. And if it is not exciting, then I’ll find a way to make it exciting. It can’t just be a snooze. You got to get out there and let people know what your ideas are and the way you are running.”
Keithley is running on a variety of issues that the BC NDP has been vocal about in the pre-election season such as the blocking of the Northern Gateway pipeline project, affordable housing, and the protection of senior citizens.
“The tide is turning,” spoke Keithley. “The BC Liberals have completely blown whatever credibility they had. It’s time for a change.”
Keithley’s announcement to run falls on the heels of the departure of many prominent members of the BC Liberals including long-time Minister and 2nd place finisher in the party’s last leadership referendum, Kevin Falcon. George Abbott, John Les, and Mary McNeil also announced their departure from the decreasingly popular Clark government last week.
Keithley’s opinion of Clark, who has admitted her appreciation of D.O.A.’s music, stands as “she’s got good taste in music, but not so great taste in politics.”
The candidate has invited residents of Coquitlam to meet at him at his campaign event at Bon Vivant Cafe Coquitlam on September 8 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
