Manitoba Election 2016

James Teitsma - Radisson

1. Why did you decide to run in the 2016 Manitoba election?

I decided to run for office because I am concerned about the direction Manitoba is headed in. We are paying more and more tax, but the services we receive in health and education are lagging further and further behind the rest of the country. Our debt continues to increase and our borrowing costs rise because the Selinger NDP have the wrong priorities.

I want Manitoba to be a place where our children and grandchildren will be able to achieve their potential while continuing to live right here in Manitoba. I believe we need a responsible government that is committed to dealing honestly and fairly with Manitobans. A government that will put the interests of Manitobans first.

2. What experience will you bring to complement your role as MLA?

I have 20+ years of IT, business and management experience and will use the expertise and insight I have acquired over my career to find ways to make our government more efficient and effective. I will engage with voters in a variety of ways: in person, on the phone, via social media and at community forums. I’ve worked hard all my life and I will continue to work hard for the people of Radisson if they choose to have me serve as their MLA.

I also have extensive volunteer experience that will also help me be an effective MLA. Whether it is helping those less fortunate or educating, encouraging and equipping individuals and groups to effectively interact with their government representatives or advocating on behalf of others, my life has been dedicated to serving the needs of others. As a husband and father, I care about the future of our province and I know that it will take dedicated and diligent hard work to make it better.

3. Is there anything in particular you would like to change in our province? In your electoral division?

Manitoba needs a government that is open and transparent and really focused on serving the needs of Manitobans. Manitobans want their elected representatives to be truthful and humble. They want to be able to trust their government to fulfill its promises and do what’s right for Manitoba. They want to be able to look their MLA in the eye, and know that they can hold him or her accountable to be fair.

Here in Radisson, its important to be visible and present in the community. I have lived in Radisson for over 20 years and have spent the last three years working on becoming the next MLA – that’s meant knocking on doors, listening to voters, meeting with community leaders, attending community events and encouraging others to do so and getting to know which services are available and which are not in our constituency. By knowing this community well, I can be more effective at encouraging growth within the community: creating better opportunities for our youth, encouraging community initiatives, and evenn just helping out a friend or neighbour.

The result for Radisson will be better health care and education outcomes and a stronger sense of community.

4. What key issue(s) / topic(s) would like to stand for in your role as MLA, and why is it important to you?

Manitobans are smart shoppers and so it’s no surprise that they want a government that will spend their tax dollars wisely. Manitobans value the front-line services they receive in health care, education and more. They want to see these services maintained or even improved but not at the price of higher taxes or increased debt. The PC Team will reduce and eliminate waste in government, maintain or improve the services received and lower the amount of taxes Manitobans have to pay.

The issue Manitobans are struggling with the most is that they want to be able to trust their government to keep their word and do what’s right for Manitoba. They want to elect MLAs that will work hard, tell the truth and respond to them when they have an issue. They want a united team that doesn’t try to buy their vote with empty promises, but instead presents a credible and achievable plan that will lead to a better Manitoba. Personal integrity is of great importance to me, so that’s the kind of MLA I will be.

5. What is one thing in particular that you value about the electoral division that you wish to represent?

My family and I have lived in Radisson for over 20 years. This community is where we live and work. This is where our children attend school. This is where we shop for groceries, play sports, buy and maintain our vehicles, and so much more. For us, this community is our home.