Lund to represent Tories in upcoming election in Rimbey-Rocky constituency

Ty Lund, a longtime MLA, has once again been selected by Tories in his constituency to let his name stand in the upcoming provincial election.

Lund, 73, won the Jan. 21 vote handily defeating his opponent Jimmy Clark.

Lund captured 832 votes, while Clark trailed considerably behind with 214 ballots cast in his favor.

There were 1,046 ballots cast with two spoiled ballots.

“I am very pleased with the way it turned out and that there was that kind of interest,” Lund said.

Rimbey and the surrounding area is to be included in the recently created Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre riding, but the borders of the new constituency won’t be official until the writ comes down.

Lund said the new modified constituency encompasses a larger area and an increased population of more than 6,000 people.

Lund, who has been elected six consecutive times in the West Central Alberta Rocky Mountain House constituency, said he will be happy when the provincial election — expected before the end of May — is over.

“Then we can get on with governing,” he said.

The veteran MLA said health care is a huge issue for him.

He understands the concern in Rimbey about additional seniors housing in Rimbey. “It is a big challenge. We have a similar situation in Sundre and Rocky. Our senior population is increasing.”

Joe Anglin, who will represent the Wildrose Party in the election, doesn’t see himself in competition with Ty Lund.

“I don’t view it that way. I look at it as a chance for people to make change. Do they want to go back to a balanced budget and address problems head on? The solution is not me, the solution is us.”