Warren Michelson’s announcement that he would not run for re-election as the MLA for the Moose Jaw North constituency in 2020 was one of his personal highlights for 2019.
Michelson, who was first elected in 2007 in an election that brought the Sask. Party to power, explained that letting his party know more than a year in advance that he would not seek re-election gave time for the nomination process to occur.
The decision also meant he would no longer be able to pursue initiatives as an MLA or help advance the provincial government’s priorities, he explained recently during a 2019 year-in-review conversation. He joked that he thought about running again after learning about the Sask. Party’s 2030 growth plan.
Looking back, Michelson pointed to the construction of YaraCentre, Mosaic Place, and the Dr. F. H. Wigmore Regional Hospital as achievements to which he contributed in Moose Jaw, along with helping the province advance during the last 12 years.
“I was proud to represent Moose Jaw North in that time,” Michelson said, adding he did his best and felt a responsibility to help his constituents with their concerns.
Michelson thought it was a good accomplishment to have been part of the discussions around the proposed joint-use school on South Hill and the SaskPower natural gas plant, both of which were announced last year. It was also great to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Saskatchewan flag, and enjoyed welcoming flag creator Anthony Drake back to the province once again.
“He is a very humble man (and) very easy-going,” said Michelson. “He has a creative mind and is easy to talk to. With him being part of history … it was a pleasure to meet him and his wife.”
Some of the provincial government initiatives Michelson singled out included the opening of the Regina bypass; changes to social services so recipients can receive more money; producing a balanced budget; giving more money for education and health care; opening hospitals in North Battleford and Saskatoon; standing against the federal carbon tax; pushing for equalization, and; supporting oil pipelines.
One of the biggest government achievements was the introduction of the Sask. Party’s plan for growth during the next decade, said Michelson. This plan hopes to increase the province’s population, create new jobs, increase exports and create opportunities for the province’s agricultural sector.
Michelson’s relationship with the community has been good, he continued. He has been working with the provincial government and municipality to help upgrade the intersection at Ninth Avenue North and Highway 1 so it is safer; this is a project he hopes to see completed before he finishes as MLA.
This year looks good provincially, especially with the growth plan in place, Michelson said. Residents can expect a court decision on the federal carbon tax, while he hopes the intersection project will have moved forward before the 2020 provincial election is announced in late September.
Between now and March, when the spring session — Michelson’s last — of the legislature begins, he will continue to work in the constituency office and assist his constituents. He will also visit businesses to stay in touch with them.
“Just to make sure that we still understand the needs of the people we’re serving … ,” he explained. “It’s part of my responsibility as a representative of the people of the constituency to carry their concerns to the different ministries and departments of government.”
Michelson appreciated his time as the MLA for Moose Jaw-North during the last 12 years, he said. During the last three provincial elections, his vote percentage increased each time, which he thought indicated residents’ faith in him.
“I appreciated it,” he added. “I tried to be open and available and will continue to do so (until his term ends).”
