LUNENBURG WEST (39)

Candidates:

Current MLA: vacant following resignation of Don Downe (LIB)

Riding Profile: Lunenburg West includes the town of Bridgewater, as well as the communities of LaHave and Hebbville along the LaHave River. It's home to a couple of popular summer destinations, Crescent and Risser's Beach, on the Atlantic coast.

The largest employer is the Michelin Tire plant in Bridgewater. Call centres and a plant that manufactures non-latex gloves have set up in the last few years. Bridgewater is a center for trade, shopping and education for people who live in rural Lunenburg County.

The population is 18,170 and the average income is $24,560. Education levels mirror the provincial average.

Issues: Issues include the location of a new courthouse announced by the government for Lunenburg County. Bridgewater is in competition with the nearby town of Lunenburg for the jobs, and spin-off business, that it represents. The twinning of Highway 103 and car insurance are also important.

Political History: A popular Liberal and former cabinet minister, Don Downe, has held this riding for the last 10 years. The new candidates are not as well known. The area has been represented by both Liberal and Tory members in the past.

1999: LIB Don Downe took 45 per cent of the vote to defeat PC Jerry Swain. Swain received 34 per cent and NDP Eric Hustvedt polled 21 per cent. 1998: LIB Don Downe defeated NDP Eric Hustvedt by 1,653 votes. 1993: LIB Don Downe defeated PC Marie Dechman by 3,366 votes. 1988: PC Marie Dechman defeated LIB Jack Logan by 268 votes. 1984: PC Mel Pickings defeated LIB Caroll Young by 1,273

Voter Turnout: 68 per cent in 1999.