It's about continuing on a path of proven growth and leadership or moving in a direction of positive change say Yorkton's two candidates vying for the position of MLA for the Yorkton constituency.
Last week current MLA Greg Ottenbreit and NDP nominee Chad Blenkin had the opportunity to voice their thoughts and to answer questions at a Chamber of Commerce debate event.
First up to the podium was Chad Blenkin who says Saskatchewan needs to better look after its families and that positive change is needed.
"This provincial election is about vision, a vision for the future and a vision for the residents of Yorkton, vision for the people of Saskatchewan and vision for our families. The priority of the New Democratic Party is for families.
"We have a vision that would see a health care system that which rural residents could rely on to be open... we have a vision where Yorkton residents aren't travelling two to three hours just to see a doctor... we have a vision of affordable housing so people aren't faced with 70 per cent increases to their rent and left with no place to go like my friend Irvin... Due to low vacancy rates and affordability, he now lives in a trailer with no running water, no heat, no energy and no power.
"We have a vision where seniors from Yorkton aren't placed in a long-term care home outside of their community..."
After much door knocking and listening to the people, Blenkin says he knows more can be achieved for the people of the province and says, "that's why I'm running to be your MLA."
Representing the Saskatchewan Party is incumbent MLA Greg Ottenbreit who believes Saskatchewan is on a proven path to growth and will stay on that path with the current leadership.
A long time resident and businessman in Yorkton Ottenbreit says he has been involved with the community for many years. He initially opted to run for MLA because he felt the province wasn't living up to its potential.
"Opportunities for my kids were minimal and I felt they wouldn't be staying here. The biggest problem was the lack of leadership within our government."
Since being elected Ottenbreit says he has been gaining experience and has been working hard to move both Yorkton and Saskatchewan forward.
"We haven't gotten it all right, I know that, but I believe we've done a pretty good job. We've fulfilled virtually every promise we've made since the last election... promises like more doctors and nurses, new hospitals are being built... a helicopter shock trauma service will be available in early 2012. We've reduced wait times for many surgeries... our provincial debt is down by 44 per cent... we have among the lowest unemployment rates in North America and one of the strongest, most diverse economies in the world...
Improvements will continue he suggests, under a Saskatchewan Party government.
After opening remarks, both candidates were posed four questions by the Chamber which they were sent in advance and then questions were taken from the floor, followed by closing remarks.
"This election is an opportunity," says Blenkin. "An opportunity to take stock of where we are. It's time for us to make decisions as to what kind of province we want to have not just today, but in the future.
"As an NDP candidate I believe we want a province in which people care about people, a society that nurtures the young and takes care of our elders; a society that makes sure healthcare is accessible to all, not just those who have big pocket books or who live in big cities; a society that invests in the future by investing in education; and a society in which our communities are strong offering safety and high quality services to our families.
"When it comes to voting day, ask yourself which candidate will make the most positive change for you and your families."
In closing, Ottenbreit said, "We realize there's more to do in most areas. There has been challenges and they will continue but as I've said before, I would rather deal with the challenges of growth than the hardships of decline.
"Our government is not perfect and no administration is but I will continue to do my best to keep our province moving forward and serve this constituency.
"Our recently announced platform ideas will help to continue the momentum...
"I believe the best indicator of future behaviour is past behaviour and we've done what we said we would do and our promises for this election are realistic.
"This election is about choice - the new positive Saskatchewan and moving forward with the proven leadership of Brad Wall or do you go back to the old Saskatchewan with the alternative?"
