While the idea of running for MLA for the Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul riding was daunting, isn’t stopping independent candidate Kacey Daniels from throwing his name in the running.
As a small business owner in Glendon, he plans to put the same energy and dedication into his role as MLA, if elected.
“I work, on average, 16 hours a day... I’m absolutely willing to put in that same amount of time for people of the constituency,” he said.
After growing up on a farm just west of Bonnyville, Daniels worked in the oil and gas industry. He opened a tire shop 11 years ago, and spends his spare time volunteering for the Glendon Fire Department.
Daniels, who currently resides in Franchere, is running an as independent candidate, and has no affiliation to any particular party.
“I just feel that something needs to change, and there was no separatist running in this area. So, I took it upon myself.”
Although they aren’t a registered political party, Daniels said he does share some beliefs with the Alberta Freedom Alliance.
He noted their principles line up with his own, including ending equalization payments to other provinces and returning the province to people politics, which would create legislation aligned with the will of the people.
“I think we could run it better ourselves than giving it to the federal government so they can give it (to other countries.) We’ve got to take care of our own people first,” he stressed.
Daniels would rather see the province’s money put toward seniors, veterans, and the police force.
While the idea of getting into politics was overwhelming, Daniels isn’t intimidated by the size of the riding.
“If I’m going to run, I’m going to run. People in all three areas are experiencing the same hardships,” he said.
He officially joined the race after submitting his papers last Thursday, and isn’t going to let his independent status slow him down.
“I’m going to have signs made up. I don’t really have time to go door knocking or anything like that,” he said, adding he is also planning on attending the local all-candidates forums for Bonnyville, Cold Lake, and St. Paul.
In the restructured Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul riding, Daniels will be running against Alberta Party candidate Glenn Anderson, UCP candidate Dave Hanson, and NDP candidate Kari Whan.
