Paul Carroll feels that Estevan and area needs to be treated as a priority region, rather than an afterthought within the provincial governance circles. That is one compelling reason for him to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination for the Estevan Constituency in the next provincial election, he said.
The PC party is on a revival run under Leader Rick Swenson, and if Carroll earns the favour of local PC party members, he will be their third formally installed candidate.
“The goal is to have a full slate of 61 candidates,” said PC organizer Stu Esson. “Rick has been in contact with several potential candidates around the province and with a big slate, it will mean inclusion in the leaders debate … things like that, once the campaign begins,” Esson added.
“I feel fortunate to be working with these people,” said Carroll in speaking with the Mercury last week. “They welcome new ideas. The PC’s have been a victim of circumstance. I seriously considered Sask. Party affiliation, but feel right now the PCs give me an opportunity to be with a party that is on the way up. They are looking forward to this fresh start and they’re not restricted by previous promises like the other parties.”
There has been no date set for a local nomination meeting, said Esson, but he felt it would be scheduled before the end of summer.
So far, Swenson has been confirmed as the party’s candidate for Thunder Creek, while Brian Archer was selected during a nomination convention for the Wood River Constituency.
“There are plenty of discussions going on now that the party is back and, of course, there is a need to walk before we can run, so that’s what is happening right now,” Esson added.
Carroll said he has a solid campaign team already signed on and ready in the event he gets confirmation and he’s been busy selling party memberships in the meantime.
“There are many things that need to get done here,” said Carroll, who is a member of the Bienfait town council.
“We make a ton of money for the government in this region, and we do like to share with the whole province, that’s what it’s all about. But we really need some major projects around here and there should be some expectations of getting some of them. For too long the provincial government has reaped the benefits of the resources from our area without providing sufficient maintenance to our infrastructure. Highways 18 and 39, water and sewer upgrades and the elder care in our communities, those are just a few examples.”
Carroll said the first thing that came to mind was the urgent need for a new nursing home in Estevan, especially since the local campaign has already raised the necessary $8 million that represents the local share of a proposed project.
“But we didn’t see anything in the provincial budget for it, but there was over $200 million for a Regina overpass,” Carroll said.
Carroll, who has a background in small business as a former owner of a gas bar and convenience store in his hometown, is also a journeyman electrician.
“I believe in small business and farming. They are still the backbone of our economy. Without them Saskatchewan won’t attract that many more residents. We need to create a business environment that will allow newcomers, as well as long-time residents, to prosper.”
Carroll made the excursion to China last year, as part of the Chamber of Commerce team, and said he learned a lot about international trade and how Saskatchewan can fit into the future picture on those scales.
Carroll has been a member of the Bienfait Legion for over 30 years and is is actively involved in numerous community activities as is his wife Shelley. They are parents to two adult children.
As for his potential nomination and upcoming campaign, and how it might affect his role on the Bienfait council, Carroll said, “I will be guided by them as to my status. I don’t want to cost them money for a byelection, but they will also have to know that my focus will change as we get closer to a nomination date and then possibly an election date. So, that issue will unfold as it should over the next few months.”
So far, two other candidates have been confirmed for the Estevan Constituency with Lori Carr recently getting the nomination for the Sask Party, and Cameron Robock who was confirmed as the NDP candidate in a nomination meeting held earlier this spring.
