The race to run against incumbent MLA Guy Boutilier is getting crowded.
Macdonald Island board chair Nick Sanders has joined the PC nomination race, alongside municipal councillor Mike Allen and public school board chair Jeff Thompson.
Sanders says the relationship with the provincial government needs to be improved.
“I think when Guy decided to change parties, some of those relationships were hardened a little bit, and we’re looking to get those back on track and re-establish those relationships,” said Sanders. “I don’t think he [Boutilier] has harmed it, but it’s made the communication more difficult.”
Sanders says, for now, he’s undecided on the upcoming seniors’ centre.
“I’m still in the information-gathering stage,” he said. “I need to understand better why Willow Square was chosen in the first place, and why it is no longer viable, and why Parsons Creek has come up.”
Thompson has proposed two seniors’ centres, the first at Willow Square and a second at Parsons Creek, while Mike Allen and Fort McMurray-Conklin candidate Don Scott have both suggested the province consult with local seniors.
Overall, Sanders says Allen and Thompson are more than worthy opponents in the leadup to the vote on January 28.
“I’m just really happy that we have such a good quality group of candidates,” said Sanders. “What message does this send out to the PCs, or all the other people that are thinking of running in this community?”
“We have three good, solid candidates.”
