And then there were three

There are now three declared candidates to replace Ken Kowalski as the Progressive Conservative representative in Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock after Barrhead’s Tim Schultz threw his hat in the ring last week.

Creating a healthy work environment is at the forefront of Schultz’s mind as he seeks to persuade PC supporters that his business and government experience makes him the best candidate to replace Kowalski.

A key motivation to run, he said, was learning the Case agriculture dealership in Barrhead was shutting its doors. Such a development affected the fabric of a community. It also had a personal impact, given his family’s business history in the area.

“I have a problem seeing a business close down,” he said.

Politics is something that has always been in Schultz’s blood, he said.

“I live and breathe politics,” he said. “I understand party policies and principles. I’ve been involved in everything from driving policies, sitting on meetings, giving advice and communications. I have government experience at a very high level.”

Coupled with his business experience, that makes him a good PC candidate, he believes.

“I am prepared to roll up my sleeves and get to work,” he said. “I am not afraid to engage and have a conversation with anyone. I have an open-door policy. If there is a difficult issue, I am prepared to figure out a creative and innovative way to deal with it.”

As nomination day draws closer, Schultz knows the competition will be tough. Westlock County Coun. and deputy reeve Maureen Kubinec, as well as Westlock town Coun. David Truckey have already entered the race.

Schultz said he’s prepared to immerse himself in a constituency that includes Swan Hills, Jarvie, Clyde, Morinville, Westlock, Barrhead and other communities.

“It’s a big constituency, but I have driven down a lot of roads and know the area,” he said.

“I have got an understanding about Barrhead and Westlock. I have travelled to gas plants and been in the backwoods. I have a good understanding of the make-up of the constituency,” he said. “I know what is out there — agriculture and business. I know how they interact and have an understanding about how government works. I feel I have the background to help.”