Todd Goudy was humbled as he found out he was chosen as the Saskatchewan’s Party’s candidate in an upcoming byelection in Melfort to replace Kevin Phillips as MLA.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been so humbled in my life, seeing the type of friends that worked tirelessly and served for me,” he told the crowd at the Jan. 24 nomination meeting. “I didn’t get here by myself. I got here on your guys’ shoulders and you carried me.”
The school board trustee and pastor later told the media he felt he needed to pinch himself.
“This is what I’ve hoped for since I was 19 years old, to be in my hometown serving the people of my community. Life couldn’t be any better.”
With 813 total votes cast, Goudy got the nod over city councillor Tim Hoenmans, Bourgault Industries sales manager Scott Lessmeister and North East Outreach and Support Services executive director Louise Schweitzer.
“My view is that all four candidates were excellent,” said Michael Mahon, the president of the Melfort Sask. Party constituency association. “We would have been well-served by all of them and I’m very satisfied with Todd coming out successful tonight. I think he will represent the Melfort constituency well.”
Goudy agreed his competitors were great and said he hoped to get together with them and their teams to build a strong campaign.
Endorsers speak
The victorious candidate had gathered numerous endorsements. Pattie Gantefoer Draude was one of the people to introduce him before his speech before the vote. She pointed out his part in making the Wellness Centre a reality.
“Todd Goudy is a true community builder who inspires and works with people. Todd isn’t going to Regina to represent himself, he’s going to represent you.”
Kevin Graham, a senior leader at Bourgault Industries, said Goudy understood the issues facing people, having served as a trustee for the North East School Division for eight years and working with families that are hurting.
“Many of us are here to support Todd not out of blind loyalty, but because of his character, his genuine concern and care for others, and his proven reliability.”
Largest issues
When asked about the issues facing the Melfort constituency, Goudy said that he had a lot of listening and learning to do. He did say the biggest concern he’s run into is the PST being added on insurance, a heavy hit to farmers. Other issues Goudy said he’s heard about are the Quill Lakes flooding, the need for a replacement of a wing of the senior centre in Watson and concerns from seniors about the loss of the Saskatchewan Transportation Company.
“People in Regina may not understand the issues that we face in rural Saskatchewan, so we need to put together made-in-rural Saskatchewan solutions for rural Saskatchewan problems.”
Remembering Phillips
Goudy also mourned the loss of Phillips, who suddenly died Nov. 13. He recalled how he told him that he was going to run when he stepped down, but encouraged him to run again for one more term.
“We really lost a great, good man,” he said. “He was loved by the people, so we’ll do our best to try to represent in his place.”
The coming byelection
Now that the Sask. Party has a candidate, it’s time for them to prepare for the byelection. Mahon said he expects it in late February or early March after a 28-day campaign.
Meanwhile the New Democrats held a nomination meeting Jan. 29, where Lorne Schroeder was selected to run against Goudy.
“I know the NDP will want to pull off a victory here,” Mahon said, “so we have to make sure that we’re ready to go out, start campaigning and ensure we give Todd a strong showing and hopefully a strong victory.”
