The MLAs for Grande Prairie – Wapiti, Grande Prairie – Smoky, and Peace River are again seeking nominations for the PC Party.
The Progressive Conservation Assocation has opened up candidate nominations in 47 of the 87 constituencies, and Wayne Drysdale, Everett McDonald, and Frank Oberle have all said they’ll be running again.
GP – Smoky MLA McDonald says it’s been an exciting three years so far for him.
“We’ve had a lot of success here in the last three years with the opening of Highway 43, with the overlay of Bezanson, continuing with the hospital growth and construction, as well as several new schools in my constituency. I certainly want to make sure that those projects continue.”
GP – Wapiti MLA Drysdale argues with his seven years of experience and transportation portfolio, he’s well situated to make things happen for residents.
“I’m well aware of the issues in our constituency, and I’m in a good position to bring those issues forward. There’s always a learning curve when you get in this job, and I think when you get here, you don’t want to just learn something and then get out, so I’m in a position now where I can have some influence.”
Peace River MLA Oberle echoes that sentiment, saying it’s been an honour to serve his constituency for the past decade, but there’s still work to be done.
“I’m in a great position here in the energy portfolio to contribute and to represent the interests of the north. I’m also on the treasury board, the budget committee, planning and priorities, and the operations committee that I think I’m in a great position to make sure that our northern interests are represented at the table.”
A fixed election date is set for between March and May 2016, but there has been speculation that with a new premier and the recent mass defection from the Wildrose Party, 2015 could become an election year.
If the current representatives are challenged, party members will vote on February 21st or 28th.