Retired principal throws hat into political ring for PCs

A retired high school principal from Rocky Mountain House is throwing his hat into the political ring for the Progressive Conservatives party in anticipation of a 2012 provincial election.

Jimmy Clark will challenge MLA Ty Lund for the nomination in the Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House- Sundre constituency.

Clark, who is on leave as the regional director for the Central Alberta Provincial Conservative Party, said he has had a long-standing belief in the Tory government, supporting the party through the last four provincial elections and the selection of two party leaders.

However, he believes it is time for new blood; someone who can bring a fresh new vision and vitality to the party.

Clark is confident he is that someone.

“It’s time to offer the voters a new and viable choice in the upcoming nomination process. One that combines vitality and innovativeness with leadership, experience and solutions,” he said. “I will commit to ensuring our collective voice is heard and that we play a significant role in shaping the future of our communities and our province.”

As an educator for more than 30 years, Clark believes education, training and lifelong learning are crucial steps towards creating positive inroads for individual, business and community growth resulting in a strong future.

“I commit to ensuring that education funding, meaningful course offerings and enhanced training opportunities remain a key focus of our government,” he said.

Born in Soest, Germany, Clark continued to live in that country for some of his childhood. He graduated from the University of Victoria with a master’s degree in education and moved to Fox Creek in 1992 where he taught biology and physical education.

He became principal of Will Sinclair and West Central high Schools in Rocky Mountain House in 1997.

He now owns Redtail Contracting Inc. and is a certified contractor in the oil industry.

He is married to Jolene and the couple has three children, Katelyn, 18, Braeden, 15 and Hillary, 12.