Steinbach MLA, Kelvin Goertzen, is one of 17 Progressive Conservatives from across the province who has filed nomination papers with Elections Manitoba in order to run under the Party’s banner in the provincial election in October 2011.
“ It’s a very positive sign that, more than a year before the election, there are already this number of candidates filed and actively working toward election in their own constituency and toward forming a Progressive Conservative government,” said Goertzen. “I am excited to be able to seek re-election in the best constituency in the province representing strong communities and tremendous Manitobans.”
Goertzen has appointed Steinbach resident, Doug Hamm, as his Official Agent and expects to have his entire campaign team in place this fall.
He noted that his decision to seek re-election was based on feedback from family, constituents and his own feeling that he has more to contribute at the provincial level.
“It’s always a decision that is made in consultation with family. My wife Kim has been a great partner in my political life and her continued support and the support of family is the primary consideration. As well, it’s a matter of listening to constituents and determining if there is more you feel you can accomplish at this level. Looking at each of those things led to a positive decision to seek re-election,” said Goertzen.
Goertzen, who was first elected in 2003, is currently the Deputy Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party and its Justice Critic. He says while there is optimism around the Party’s fortune in the next campaign, there is still much work to do.
“While there is positive momentum in terms of polls, organization and fundraising, the reality is that it is still more than a year from a campaign and there is a great deal of work to do before then. The NDP have been in power for more than a decade and they will do everything they can to hold on to that power I’m sure,” said Goertzen.
Goertzen noted that while serving in opposition comes with its frustrations, he is glad that he has been able to get several initiatives passed including:
• Legislation to allow parents to get treatment for drug addicted children under 18.
• Legislation to allow paramedics, firefighters and police to get blood they come into contact with during their work tested for disease.
• Legislation that prevents drug dealers from obtaining a driver’s license.
• A policy that requires all probation breaches of high risk offenders to be reported to police automatically.
“It is harder to get your initiatives passed when you are in opposition, but people elect you to do a job regardless of whether you are in government or opposition and I’ve worked hard to do that. I’ve also benefited from the tremendous encouragement and support of local residents which has helped get some of these initiatives passed,” said Goertzen.
Goertzen noted that while there have been some positive funding announcements for the region over his past term, there is much more that needs to be done in the growing area.
“There are a lot of public services that are under stress because of the growth of the area,” said Goertzen. “Those stresses are likely to increase and we need to continue to work to ensure there is adequate support for local healthcare, education and infrastructure needs.”
