By Melanie Jacob
Journal Editor
As a well-known and vocally active citizen in the community, most people shouldn't be surprised that Adam Duke is seeking a Humboldt-Watrous NDP nomination for the 2016 provincial election against MLA Donna Harpauer.
"I've always had intentions of getting involved with politics," said Duke. "I really enjoy public services. I think it's toxic when people say they really want to be in politics. I'm not too interested in what they're doing on TV. I want to bring public service back to the position."
For now, the 27-year-old said he'd be focusing on two issues: health and senior care and education. Since Duke's father passed away before he was born, he ended up spending a lot time with his grandfather, which is why senior health care is close to his heart. The LEAN project in particular he says is costing taxpayers millions.
With regards to education, he'll be focusing on concerns such as overcrowded classrooms, lack of resources for teachers, and standardized testing.
Like many candidates, Duke will indeed be knocking door-to-door, but said he won't be asking for votes the first time around. He'll be asking people what issues are important to them.
"When I go door-to-door first, I think they'll be surprised that I'm not trying to sell them anything," he said with a laugh. "I'll be asking them, 'What do you want? What do you care about?' Then I'll take it back to the party."
According to Duke, the NDP has a strong riding in urban areas such as Saskatoon, Regina, Moosejaw and Prince Albert. It'll be the rural areas that might need some work.
On the other hand, competition is the one thing Duke isn't overly concerned about.
"I'm actually surprised Donna is running," he said. "I thought she'd be retiring. She's been around for a while and got some stink on her. I mean, every politician gets some stink eventually and has to leave."
Of course, that shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Politics is a tough game and those that don't have a thick skin probably won't be able to hack it. Fortunately for Duke, he says he's "not afraid to be a jerk."
"I'm clean. Unless they want to talk about me toilet-papering a house when I was kid," he said. "Some of the people here see me as their grandson, some still see me as a baby Adam, which is bad."
Duke has been working in the parks and recreation department for the city while majoring in political studies. Aside from being involved with the Saskatchewan NDP, he's also assisting with the upcoming Special Olympics and is the branch services officer for the Royal Canadian Legion.
As a graduate of Humboldt Collegiate Institute and the City's Junior Citizen of the Year in 2013, Duke has quite a bit of good favour to hold him in good stead against Harpauer. Nevertheless, since Harpauer has more than a decade of experience, Duke has his work cut out for him.
Fortunately for him, he's already gotten his foot in a lot of doors.
He's an executive and Provincial Councillor with the Saskatchewan NDP and the secretary for the Humboldt-Watrous NDP. Duke's also the president of the Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek NDP and the treasurer for the Saskatchewan Council of Federal Ridings.
Despite all of that, Duke will still have to first be nominated by the NDP party. Following that, he'll be touring the riding, knocking on doors, and participating in political debates.
