Four interested in Melfort Sask. Party nomination

The process to replace Melfort MLA Kevin Phillips as the standard-bearer for the Saskatchewan Party in the Melfort constituency has begun.

“At this time, we’ve had four people indicate their intention to seek the nomination and are either in the process of filing or in the process to complete their paperwork to file,” said Michael Mahon, the president of the Sask. Party Melfort constituency association.

Todd Goudy is a school board trustee for the North East School Division and a pastor at Melfort’s Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Tim Hoenmans is a City of Melfort councillor, president of the Melfort Business Revitalization Corporation and a local businessman.

Scott Lessmeister is the North American sales manager at Bourgault Industries Ltd. out of St. Brieux. He has served on the village council of Lake Lenore as a councillor and mayor.

Louise Schweitzer is the executive director of the North East Outreach and Support Services, which runs a domestic violence shelter in Melfort. She ran for the Sask. Party’s nomination in Kelvington-Wadena, a position won by Hugh Nerlien.

Mahon said there’s a possibility that more candidates could join the fray. The deadline for nomination papers is Jan. 10.

The meeting to select the Saskatchewan Party candidate will be Jan. 24 at 7 p.m. at the Kerry Vickar Centre. Those wishing to vote must have a Sask. Party membership by Jan. 17.