Drumheller's Ed Mah hopes to enter provincial politics.
To say the Alberta political scene has been turbulent over the last year is an understatement, and even in Drumheller Stettler, it is about to heat up again.
Former small business owner and Drumheller resident Ed Mah has indicated his intention to become the Progressive Conservative Party candidate come the next Alberta provincial election.
Over the last few years, Ed Mah has been an active member of the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce, working his way to serving as president for a term. This really sparked his interest in getting involved in provincial politics.
“Within the Chamber culture you are in essence lobbying the government, so I thought the next best way to make a change is to become a part of it,” Mah told the Mail.
He has always considered himself a Progressive Conservative and remembers as a youngster looking up to leaders like former Alberta Premier Peter Lougheed.
A few months ago, he began to formally become active with the Party and reached out to other Party members in the area. He joined the constituency association (CA) and in short work he became president.
“At the same meeting I became president, I announced my intention to become a candidate, and it was very well received by the people there,” he said.
He understands that as the process moves forward he will not be able to continue as the CA president. Right now, it is a waiting game for prospective candidates holding until the party executive put a call out for nominations. He said he does not have any firm indications to when this will be.
“Now that the PC leadership race is over, the biggest concern is for the premier designate to run in a by-election somewhere and get himself a seat,” said Mah.
“I think a run off would be great for this riding, I think it would be great for increasing visibility and interest, and getting everybody focused on local regional politics in this riding,” sais Mah.
He feels he bring a new fresh face to the P.C. Party.
“This province and the way it has been governed has been good to my family, I believe in this party and I would like to see this party continue to flourish and I think I can bring something to the table to help this process,” he said.
“I believe I can offer a well-balanced perspective. I was born in Lethbridge, raised in Calgary and have operated a private, successful small business here in Drumheller. This helped me understand the nuances of living and working in a rural community and I want to give constituents of this riding a younger, more energetic, focused and accessible representative.”