INNISFAIL – The Dreeshen dynasty appears to be in the making in Central Alberta.
Father and son Earl and Devin Dreeshen may soon hold the reins of power in the area at both the federal and provincial levels.
Devin Dreeshen, 30, was voted in as the United Conservative Party (UCP) candidate for the provincial riding of Innisfail-Sylvan Lake on May 2.
His father Earl Dreeshen is the current member of Parliament for the federal riding of Red Deer-Mountain View.
Following in his father’s political footsteps, Dreeshen said he’s looked to him as a role model.
“I think the greatest thing I’ve learned from him is humility,” he said, noting his commitment to the people he represents.
“He’s always been down to earth and cares about the people in this community. That’s the type of politician that I‘d like to be.
“He’s always said you (want to have) the same friends leaving politics as you did going in,” added Dreeshen. “It’s that kind of down to earth humility that I think is probably the greatest political lesson that he’s given me.”
The senior Dreeshen was happy for his son and the party.
“I know how hard Devin and his team of volunteers worked on this campaign,” said Earl. “There were so many good candidates, each bringing with them a unique set of skills and experiences to the discussion.
“I look forward to the upcoming byelection and working with him in this new role,” he added.
The younger Dreeshen said he was grateful for the support he received from UCP members and his campaign team.
“We worked so hard for so long and had such a great team,” said Devin, noting the positive feedback and results. “It was heartwarming.
“Now all that trust that people put in me, now you have to live up to it,” said Dreeshen. “That’s going to be the next challenge going forward.”
A total of 1,511 votes were cast, including at two advanced polls on April 28, according to Jeff Henwood, the UCP's director of political operations.
He said Devin Dreeshen received exactly 50 per cent plus one, for a total of 756 votes to take the nomination.
The five other candidates split the remaining 755 votes, said Henwood, noting there were several spoiled ballots.
Dreeshen beat out early campaign front-runners Mike Walsh and Christine Moore.
Moore finished second behind Dreeshen, while Walsh finished fourth.
“I wish Devin Dreeshen all the very best in the upcoming byelection. I will totally support him in his quest to become the next MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake,” said Moore. "Let’s keep the momentum going to move the Conservative movement forward in the province."
Walsh also had strong words of support for Dreeshen.
“We felt pretty confident, but the members voted and the results just weren’t there for us,” said Walsh of his fourth-place finish. “Devin ran a great campaign. He’s a fine young man and he’ll be a great MLA for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake. "When the byelection comes and we need to win and get him elected, I’ll be right there for him."
Gayle Langford took third place, while Joan Barnes and Victor Sloboda took fifth and sixth place respectively.
Since his nomination win, Dreeshen said he's had little time to rest but is prepared to get to work.
He wants to keep people involved and engaged in the riding so that the UCP is ready for the anticipated byelection later this year.
“It’s going to be a lot of hard work but I just have to persevere,” said Dreeshen. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
