Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock MLA Ken Kowalski will try to extend his more than 30-year reign in provincial politics.
First elected in 1979, Kowalski told a roomful of supporters at the Barrhead Golf Club that he will seek his tenth term whenever the next election is called, putting to bed earlier speculation he might retire.
Kowalski said he and his wife recently received a positive prognosis for a health issue she’s been battling and that was a major factor in his decision to contest another campaign.
He told his supporters he had to ask himself a number of questions — whether he had the energy, the drive and the passion to keep working and ultimately whether he still wanted to be an MLA.
“The answer to that question is yes! I want to do it again,” Kowalski declared to a round of applause.
Kowalski said he was overwhelmed by nomination papers circulated on his behalf that garnered 500 signatures, in his mind a clear display the party still wanted him to run.
Kowalski is the longest serving MLA in the provincial legislature and has served under the last four premiers. Kowalski has served for multiple terms as speaker. He also had several cabinet posts including environment, public safety, public works, supply services, career development and employment and minister of economic development and tourism.
He also served as house leader and deputy premier.
