Local musician and events organizer, Stephen O'Shea, has announced his candidacy for the Green Party of BC in the Abbotsford West riding.
O'Shea was raised in Abbotsford and graduated from Yale Secondary. He was first exposed to politics as a participant in the cultural exchange programs, Katimavik and Canada World Youth.
He is a founding member of critically-acclaimed dance-punk/new wave band You Say Party. The band came together in Abbotsford in 2004 composing simple songs with an emphasis on political themes.
The band grew to earn international renown, enabling them to tour extensively on three continents until the untimely death of their drummer, Devon Clifford, in 2010.
He also organizes the Jam in Jubilee concerts.
O'Shea also acts as the Program Director of the Devon Clifford Memorial Foundation, which provides resources for low-income and at-risk youth so that they can turn their energy toward music and education.
Currently, he works as a Supportive Care Giver for people with developmental disabilities for Bethesda Christian Association in Abbotsford.