Today we spoke to the one candidate we didn't mention in last night's story about the shores. And that's Lee Mark Chang. And we didn't mention him because our information said that he was asked to step aside. But today he told us her is very much in the race. We went to Chon Saan - which his family owns - and asked the former Freetown candidate why:...
Jules Vasquez- Reporter
"My first reaction was incredulity because I thought you retired from politics. How is it that we are now hearing your name for Caribbean Shores?"
Lee Mark Chang- Interested in Caribbean Shores
"About one and half or two months ago I heard some information the seat might become available and so, with that I started inquiring and preparing to see if is true. And if the seat does become available I will be contesting for the division."
Jules Vasquez
"Why?"
Lee Mark Chang
"Well, you know me Jules. I like to serve and I've been in the service industry all my life."
Jules Vasquez
"When you were defeated in 2012 by a not insignificant margin in Free Town, you took a step back. What is motivating you to take a step forward? When I spoke to you at the time you said you were good that you have a lot of business to take care of and you would focus on that because your parents have retired."
Lee Mark Chang
"Yes, well, since the election of 2012, usually after elections everything quiets down, there wasn't anyone interested in the division and so I was tasked to continue to take over and continue to make sure that the goods and services trickle down to the division."
Jules Vasquez
"After all that work in Freetown, you would have to switch to Shores. That doesn't make sense."
Lee Mark Chang
"Number one, I've spoken with OJ and I've assured him that I will be leaving everything in tact and I will still work with him. I think Caribbean Shores and Freetown are like brother and sister divisions where we are both connected to each other."
Jules Vasquez
"Now, Santi has the advantage because he put in his application in February."
Lee Mark Chang
"So I was told, yes."
Jules Vasquez
"So, he can say that, 'I am the bonified person who has a none opportunistic interest.' He can say he has not but he can say that these other people are just opportunists. They just jump up after the yes vote in Caribbean Shores."
Lee Mark Chang
"People are free to say whatever they want, Jules. And I won't get into no back and forth."
Jules Vasquez
"But if the voter reaches that conclusion that, 'Oh, so now you are interested...'"
Lee Mark Chang
"Like is said, it is sad if they do feel that way. But in terms of how the so called Darrell Bradley stepping back has almost reached its climax, maybe, maybe not, we don't know. It all depends on this Saturday's MPC and then we will see how it goes from there. Once Darrell Bradley does not step down, there will be no contest. that's why I maintain that if the seat becomes available."
Jules Vasquez
"It is almost unimaginable that those three forces, yourself, Santino and Peyrefitte will meet in a convention. Don't you think there will be some compromise before?"
Lee Mark Chang
"Well, number one, I will tell you outright Jules, on my position there will be no compromise. I am heading to the polls, I am heading to the race. If they want to step back quietly and endorse me, so be it. I will appreciate that. But I am moving forward full steam ahead."
And as he is already hitting the campaign trail, we also asked Chang about the issue of racial prejudice against Chinese:..
Now, all the aspirants are - so to speak - waiting for the other shoe to fall - that is, waiting to see what current standard bearer Darrell Bradley will do. We are told he will meet with the party leaded on Friday - and before a party council meeting on Saturday.
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