The NDP leadership race is heating up and MLA Trent Wotherspoon hopes his name will come to the forefront when the final votes are tallied.
Making a Yorkton stop on Monday, Wotherspoon is travelling the province to bother gather input from residents and to understand the issues.
Currently serving as the MLA for the Regina Rosemont area, he says, while the province is on a positive economic swing there are improvements that can be made by taking a more practical people focused approach to politics.
"Part of what motivates me to serve and to want to make a difference is a history that stems back into even this region. My family has farming roots in Melville, my great grandfather homesteaded just north of the city... I've heard the stories of him serving as an RM councillor and as a Reeve, establishing a municipal doctor services program... the first Melville Co-op, and laying foundations for the Wheat Pool.
"I know that spirit of cooperation that runs deep in these parts of the province.
"My own experience comes by way of business experience and also as a teacher and an educator, working with youth at risk, building programs, new schools... I can say sincerely that by working with those on the margins, I've learned the most from those who have the least."
Wotherspoon is serving his second term as MLA and says while he has seen the province as well as his party work through adversity, he's confident he has what it takes to change things around.
Acknowledging the fact the NDP Party has work to do, he says the key will lie in being open with the people of the province, listening, connecting and strengthening relationships.
"What will be really important is developing brand new relationships. I'm excited about leading that process and about redefining in many ways who we are as a party - as New Democrats in the hearts and minds of Saskatchewan people and what we have to offer their communities."
While the province is prospering under the current Sask. Party leadership, Wotherspoon says the NDP Party has a bit of a different philosophy.
"Growth is a good thing, but we're seeing growth for the sake of growth. What we have to do a better job of is having growth that betters people's lives. We have to take growth and activity within the economy and make sure we're building stronger, healthier communities for tomorrow."
That means a focus on putting people first he says.
"I know many people identify with the fact the Sask. Party has struggled with its record by way of financial management during pretty good economic times... I think we can do a better job of ensuring strong economic stewardship, and do a much better job at putting out a plan and a vision that actually improves Saskatchewan people's lives...
"It's about looking at the whole picture..."
He's based in the Regina area but Wotherspoon says he is excited to work with all of the province's people for the betterment of the whole.
"I'm excited about bringing Saskatchewan people together. At the end of the day I'm adamant. I've spent a lot of time meeting with people from every corner of this province. There's a lot more that can unite and that we can find a common cause towards what divides..." From Yorkton, to Melville, to Regina, to First Nations communities, he says he wants to understand the issues and find ways to work towards common solutions.
The leader of the NDP Party will be selected on March 9 and Wotherspoon says he hopes residents will take the time to learn more and get involved.
There are a number of ways to get in tough with Wotherspoon: by phone, (306)584-8989; by email: [email protected]; on his website: www.trent4leader.ca; via Twitter: @Trent4Leader; on Facebook: www.facebook.com/trent4leader.
If you have input, suggestions or questions, he'd like to hear from you.
"An important time of renewal exists for us as a party by way of this leadership process. I'm going to work really hard listening to Saskatchewan people, listening to our members and then working hard for us to go forward together, both as a party and as a province... The Sask. Party talks about moving forward, but that means a select few are moving forward. We need to talk about a prosperous Saskatchewan where we move forward together, where all are given that fair shot in our fine province.
