Federal NDP candidate Stuart Somerville is running for the second time to be MP in the Red Deer Riding.
The farmer and teacher from Hanna said he first started running for MP because he believes the constituents should have the option to vote for candidates from all of the parties.
“I am a good candidate and I want the people to have a good representative for the riding not just one who was brought here just to have someone.”
Somerville said that although he knows the NDP do not have as much of an established reputation in western Canada he believes they do the best job of representing what Canadians want.
“The NDP party platform benefits the average Canadian, not just the few wealthy ones,” said Somerville.
If elected Somerville said one of the things he would do is to sit down with all of the stakeholders in the riding and get their input.
“What we have is a lot of officials who get elected and don’t go back and talk to the constituents. They just talk with caucus and their party members but we need to talk to all the people.”
One of the issues he believes is most important to the constituents of the Red Deer riding is health care.
“I think people are concerned with health care in Canada and the renewal of the health act is coming up in 2014 and even though it is a ways down the road it is still important.”
However, Somerville said this election is about more then just the issues like gun registry and justice issue but is about a much bigger issue.
“The reason this election was called is because the Conservative government was found in contempt of parliament. We have to send a strong message that this is a big deal.”
Meanwhile, the other candidates of the major federal parties are all in full swing with their campaigns. Earl Dreeshen, the Red Deer riding incumbent, is once again representing the Conservatives, Ashkan Hamzehi is running from the Green Party, and Andrew Lineker, an Edmonton resident, has been selected by the Liberal Party.
Despite not being a Central Alberta resident, Lineker said Edmonton and the Red Deer riding have the same issues that concern most of Albertans.
“As for local concerns, since I was contacted, I have poured over issues pertaining to Red Deer and surrounding areas. So I am well versed with local concerns,” said Lineker.
“I want to be a voice for the people of Red Deer and surrounding areas, and get back to democracy as it should be.”
He said that although the Red Deer riding has been staunchly Conservative/Reform Party territory for decades many citizens are ready for a change with a new voice.
“Yes, every riding has individual concerns, and that is why we need young, fresh ideas, to look outside of the box and be heard,” said Lineker. “Nothing remains constant. If it remains constant, it becomes stagnant. Alberta needs new blood, fresh ideas, someone who will work for the constituents and someone who listens and will represent your concerns.”
