Hundreds turn out for Rothesay advance polls

More than 400 people made their mark in Rothesay yesterday at advance polls in a provincial byelection. It was their first opportunity to vote on Margaret-Ann Blaney's replacement after the former minister resigned to become the head of Efficiency New Brunswick.

Outside the polling station, her controversial appointment was on the minds of some voters.

"I certainly have changed my mind, or my normal voting patterns," said Boyd Tucker, who went to the advance polls. "There are a lot of issues and most of which is the latest appointment by the PC party to a plumb job."

The Progressive Conservatives have held the area since 1999. Now the other parties are trying to make a move.

The NDP has put leader Dominic Cardy on the ballot. The Liberals are offering John Wilcox, a retired police officer.

Sharon Murphy is running for the Green Party and Marjorie MacMurray is running as an independent.

PC candidate Hugh John (Ted) Flemming III said he won't be defending Blaney's appointment in the campaign.

But Blaney's new job isn't affecting voter George Tweed's mark on the ballot.

"Fiscal affairs are very important and Mr. Flemming has talked and discussed in his speeches about that exact issue," he said.

Voters will have a second chance to vote in advanced polls Monday between 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The actual byelection is being held next Monday, June 25. Polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.