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By Charlene MacKenzie

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SUSSEX -

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Fundy Royal Liberal candidate Mark Wright isn't worried about the way national Liberal leader Stephane Dion is portrayed by opposition parties.

"Stephane Dion is perceived as a threat, and he is one....a threat to Stephen Harper remaining prime minister of Canada," he said.

"Once people meet him and talk to him one-on-one, they warm up to him as someone who is bright, intellectual, a visionary, and someone who has this country in view when making tough decisions."

He believes Dion's forward-thinking approach is necessary to move Canada forward as a richer, greener, fairer nation.

Right now Canadians are feeling the pinch not only in gas prices but through increasing costs of groceries, clothing, medicine and other day-to-day needs. Wright explained how the Liberal Party's Green Shift policy would help.

"It will see every dollar brought in on revenue returned to Canadians in personal income tax cuts. The highest tax cuts will be handed out to those that require them the most, the lower and middle income class," he said.

"The revenue will be overseen by the Auditor General of Canada, ensuring that indeed every cent is handed back to Canadians."

He believes his youth and energy, along with his political experience and a willingness to listen, are assets for the job of Fundy Royal MP.

Elected to Sussex town council in 2004, he was the youngest councillor ever elected in the town's 104-year history. Now 27, we was re-elected in May this year.

"I am young and energetic, with a strong desire to see those who cannot defend themselves, defended," he said.

Wright has lived in Kings County his entire life. Growing up, he lived in more than 20 foster homes over a six-year period. He graduated from Petitcodiac Regional School in 1999. He worked in Petitcodiac as a sales representative and estimator with Fawcett Ace Building Centre.

"I have fresh and innovative ideas on how government should be conducted, that emanates from the people that I have spoken with. I am a people person and willing to listen to everyone," he said.

He's found no lack of important issues in this campaign. Not only are there farming and forestry economic challenges, but he has been hearing concerns throughout the riding about adequate representation, post-secondary education, health care and environmental issues.

As for Harper's recent proposal to publicize the names of young offenders age 14 and over who are convicted of serious crimes, he contends that, "to become tough on crime we as a society need to become smart with crime."

He believes in exploring avenues such as restorative justice, especially for youth who commit so-called "petty crime," to hold them accountable for their actions.