Kowalski will seek re-election

Ken Kowalski is not retiring.

The Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA announced on Aug. 14 that he would instead seek a tenth term.

Kowalski’s family, along with dozens of volunteers and supporters, communed for a steak barbecue at the Barrhead Golf and Country Club, where the Alberta Speaker of the House pledged to his supporters that he would run in the next election.

“My dilemma was, I didn’t know if I wanted to retire, so I asked myself, ‘what should the future hold?’ No. 1, are you healthy and do you feel healthy? Yes, I feel very healthy. Two, do you have energy and enthusiasm? Yes, I have a lot of enthusiasm. Do you have commitment? Yes, I have a lot of commitment,” said Kowalski.

The 30-year veteran of provincial politics had all eyes in the dining room fixed on him.

“Do you want to do this again, and the answer to that question is … yes, I want to do this again,” declared Kowalski.

Before the words were out of his mouth, the room erupted in roaring applause that managed to mute Kowalski’s booming voice.

Kowalski also explained how much his decision rested on the prognosis of a health issue his wife was slated to receive earlier this month.

“My prime consideration in all of the decision making was the health of Kristina. Over time, things have improved, and the most recent visitation she’s had with her doctor was in the first part of August. Her doctors conveyed to her that she has her illness under control,” Kowalski declared to a round of spirited applause.

There was also a call from the party for him to run again.

Nomination papers circulated on his behalf collected 500 signatures, which overwhelmed him, confessed Kowalski. In his mind, it was a clear display the party still wants him to run.

Kowalski is the longest serving MLA in the provincial legislature and has served under the last four premiers. He has also served as speaker for multiple terms and held several cabinet posts. What Kowalski chalks his political longevity up to is a cache of two key things in which he strongly believes.

“A politician has to do two things. He has to convey with clarity that for which he stands, but more importantly he has to listen attentively to the maximum amount of people he can listen to,” said Kowalski.

Kowalski taught high school in Barrhead from 1969 to 1974. He later joined the government of Alberta in 1974 as executive assistant to the Deputy Premier.

Kowalski also held cabinet posts in public works, public safety, environment and career development and employment.