After a year of helping with the celebrations for St. Albert’s 150th birthday Kent La Rose has shifted his focus to his political future.
La Rose announced this week he plans to seek the Progressive Conservative nomination for St. Albert, one of four people who have now officially declared their intention to run.
La Rose was on the steering committee for St. Albert’s 150th anniversary celebrations and has worked with other local sports and community groups. He said diving into a political career was the next logical step.
“It is a natural extension of what I have been doing in community service for the last 10 years,” he said. “I have the means and the opportunity now and so it is time.”
La Rose was raised in St. Albert and, while he has moved away over his 51 years, he has always returned to the community and he wants to represent it in the provincial legislature.
He said Premier Alison Redford has inspired him and he wants to help with the change she is promising.
“I like what Premier Redford is bringing to the table. Following the leadership debates, following her points of view and her speeches inspired me to say yes, I want to be part of this.”
La Rose works in sales and project management with AERCO Industries, a large heating and air conditioning firm.
He said he is concerned about healthcare and education in the province and the rising costs of providing both services. He said government needs to look at whether Albertans are getting the best value for their dollars there.
“I am an account manager and project manager, I am always trying to find a way to do a project in a more efficient manner.”
La Rose said his volunteer work with the 150th committee was extremely rewarding, but with it winding down and his kids grown up, he has the time to pursue other public service.
“This is the next natural step with my experience. I feel I can bring what I brought to those groups to this,” he said. “I have the opportunity now to get involved and bring some fresh ideas and maybe bring the next generation, my kids and grandkids, to get involved in public service.”
La Rose said he is running specifically for the Tories, because he believes the party has helped Alberta and will continue to do so in the future.
“I believe we are where we are at because of the policies, procedures and ideals of the Progressive Conservatives.”
La Rose plans to use his business experience on the campaign for both the nomination and the general election. He said he believes he can win.
“I am selling myself, that is what it comes down to. I have to get in front of the citizens of St. Albert and sell them that I am the person to represent them.”
