It may be the dog days of summer, but the political pot is still simmering in the Kootenay-Columbia riding and now there is a new surprise.

Former Invermere mayor and Liberal candidate in Kootenay-Columbia Mark Shmigelsky intends to return to the fray and run in the next federal election.

But not as a Liberal.

Shmigelsky is seeking the NDP nod in the next federal election and he makes no apologies for abandoning the Liberal ship saying it's a natural thing to do in the circumstances.

“You run for what you believe in,” he said in an interview with the Daily Townsman this week. “I believe in fiscal responsibility, but I believe in social programs too. I'm a centrist and a social democrat.”

Shmigelsky, who's been out of politics since deciding not to seek a fourth term as mayor in the 2008 municipal election, said he was approached by NDP officials to run for the party.

“I was enjoying a few years off politics and then I was approached over the last six or seven months and initially said no because I was enjoying my life relaxing on the couch and spending time with my children . . . but it kept coming up. So I sat down to discuss it with my wife and I decided it wouldn't be compromising my values to run for the NDP.

Shmigelsky, who finished a distant second to retiring Conservative MP Jim Abbott in the 1997 federal election, said he believes the NDP is enough of a “big tent” party to accommodate someone with his centrist views. “Like the NDP, I believe in a public health care system, supporting seniors, a vibrant, sustainable economy, protecting the environment. balanced budgets and helping those who can't help themselves.”

In deciding to seek the NDP nomination, Shmigelsky said he doesn't feel he's being an opportunist, but simply wants to serve. “I believe I can be the hardest working MP this riding ever had, and by saying that, I don't mean any disrespect to the ones that have served before. I feel rejuvenated about running again.”

Despite breaking ties with his former party, Shmigelsky said he remains on good terms with many local Liberals and still holds Kootenay-Columbia Liberal Constituency President Betty Aitchison in high regard.

“She was mad at me when I told her (running for the NDP) but then she wished me good luck. We're still great friends.” Aitchison couldn't be reached for comment.

Asked how a Liberal could win one of the strongest Conservative ridings in Western Canada, Shmigelsky said people tend to overlook that the NDP held the riding in the past under former MP Syd Parker and for many years it alternated between the Conservatives and the NDP.

“It's been a while, (since the NDP held the riding), but when you look around and see this riding surrounded by three provincial NDP MLA's it says something.”

While party affiliation is important, Shmigelsky said he also believes people want strong representation more than anything else. “I have a strong belief in representing everyone, not just the ones that voted for me. In the past, I've had support that crossed political lines and I believe in consensus and getting people working together and not just going at each other's throats.”

The 40-year-old former lumber grader at the now closed Canfor sawmill in Radium was elected to Invermere Council in 1993 and served two terms on council before being elected mayor for three terms. He also served three terms on the RDEK Board and said he learned the ins and outs of public policy on all the boards and councils he served on.

Shmigelsky said he's not expecting a federal election until next year, “but anything is possible with Mr. Harper.” The current furore over the Conservatives plan to scrap the long-form census form is bound to be an issue when the election rolls around, Shmigelsky said.

“They really blew it on this one. You'd think that a government that spends billions of our tax money would want to have some background information to see that the spending gets targeted to the right places,” he said.

Shmigelsky said he thinks the controversial HST will also be an issue in the next federal election. “The feds were the ones that put the carrot in front of the provincial government's nose and offered them more than a billion to take it.”

The would-be NDP MP also questioned why current Conservative MP Jim Abbott announced his departure in February the way he did.. “We have an MP that said he retired, but if they're not going to call an election until next spring that's a long time to be going without an active MP.”

Sparwood Mayor David Wilks and Creston Councillor Wes Graham have announced they are seeking the Conservative nomination to replace Abbott and Creston businesswoman Rhonda Barter announced two months ago she will be going after the NDP nomination.

No candidates from any other party have announced their intentions to seek the Kootenay-Columbia seat, however Kimberley Councillor Brent Bush has indicated he may run as an independent for the seat.