Mike Morris doesn't see himself replacing outgoing Liberal MLA Pat Bell after next month's provincial election, but rather carrying on the legacy of the longtime Prince George-Mackenzie representative.
Morris is trying to retain the seat for the Liberal party after Bell, the three-term incumbent, had to step aside for medical reasons.
"A lot of people said, 'Oh geez, you've got some big shoes to fill' and obviously I do, but [Bell] has developed such a good foundation and a good platform for anyone to jump in behind," Morris said. "He's paved the way for me."
With more than three decades of policing under his belt culminating with a seven-year stint as North District superintendent ending in 2005, as well as taking on the role of president with the B.C. Trappers Association, Morris said he can bring a different perspective to Victoria than his predecessor.
"I want to continue on the momentum that Pat has already established, but I also have a broad base of experience that can add a different element to government with respect to aboriginal issues," he said. "I had a lot of experience dealing with aboriginal issues through policing, whether it be with the road blocks or other types of policing issues."
Morris said his experience in dealing with various protests that popped up during his time as the operations officer helped educate him on aboriginal issues, which continue to be hot-button issues during the current resource boom.
"When there were roadblocks put up, it doesn't matter where it was in the northern half of the province - whether it be with aboriginals or environmentalists or the people that wanted to save the forest - I was instrumental in looking after the operational plans for dealing with those," Morris said. "I can say that I brought every single one of them to a peaceful resolution."
A father of two boys who are both Prince George RCMP officers and a grandfather of four, Morris said he's looking to build a strong, long-term economy for the region. He's focused on promoting traditional resource development like forestry and mining, but also looking for ways to expand adventure tourism opportunities.
Morris said he will also bring the voice of trappers to the legislature, if elected.
"I'll always be an advocate for trappers," he said. "It's a misunderstood industry by many. It's a viable industry."
Bell had intended to seek a fourth term until making a surprise announcement on Feb. 17 that a recently diagnosed pulmonary aneurysm would prevent him from continuing his political career. Morris, who had been the riding association president, declared his candidacy for the nomination a couple of days later and eventually won the right to carry the Liberal banner by acclamation.
"We were in good hands with Pat Bell and when he told me of his medical condition it took me by surprise," Morris said. "He asked me to consider letting my name stand for nomination, I didn't tell him yes or no right off the bat because I never thought that this day would come."
After discussing the issue with his family, Morris decided a career change to politics was in order.
He believes his background in policing will help him navigate the subtle diplomacy often required of a politician.
"I'm looking forward to the job of an MLA because it's a problem-solving job," Morris said. "I've been dealing with people all my life, I've been solving problems for people all my life and this is just an extension of that."
In order to have the opportunity Morris needs to get elected first and his first order of business over the last month has been getting his name out. Although he's been active in the Liberal party for years, his job was behind the scenes.
"I have to let people know who I am," Morris said. "Though I've lived here for as long as I have and I did hit the news a few times when I was in the RCMP, there's still a lot of people who have no clue who I am, so I have to get to them."
Like any RCMP officer, Morris moved around to different posting during his career, but has always considered Prince George home. Born in Quesnel, he spent time working in the logging industry near Vanderhoof prior to becoming a police officer. He was first posted to Prince George as an RCMP officer in 1974 and transferred in and out of the community four times over the years before finally returning for good in 1996.
"My wife and I had the option of moving anywhere in Canada when I retired, but we chose to stay here because we like it here," he said.
