Tom Prior to run as independent in Nelson-Creston

A self-described “common sense businessman” will run as an independent candidate in Nelson-Creston this May.

Nelson resident Tom Prior has a long history with social activism and environmental causes.

But he says he was prompted to run over concerns about the local resource economy.

Prior once ran for Nelson city council. He was previously active with the Green Party but says they’ve failed to reach out to the business community.

The other candidates are incumbent New Democrat Michelle Mungall, Liberal Tanya Wall, and the Green Party’s Kim Charlesworth.

Prior’s entry into the race means it won’t be an all-female ballot.