It has been a busy year for Strankman as a member of the opposition.
“As opposition some people say, you are not out here handing out cheques so how do you represent your people?“ said Stranmkan, “…there are three ways the opposition works, to the first being to expose, the second being to oppose and the third being to propose.”
While Edmonton seems miles away to some constituents, Strankman says some of the opposition’s efforts have hit close to home, including the lobby to have seniors in care to have access to fresh meals and more than one bath a week.
He said these practices were happening on lodging in the Stettler area.
He adds the efforts to reinstate free parking for veterans affects residents when they travel to hospitals in larger centres.
Going forward into the next three years, he hopes to see more openness in government and accountability.
While he entered politics without the design to make it a career, he is committed to the long term.
“I am primarily a two term guy. I have had lots of thoughts because obviously the learning curve is straight up, but I am pretty well committed to stay for two terms,” he said addressing some rumours that he may not run again.
He does say however, it has been a challenging year.
“It has been a onerous task and I think that is where some of the frustration that mounted in the demise of our predecessor was the lack of being at functions, being seen, and covering the constituency,” he said. “I am finding it challenging. There is no doubt it is a large constituency.”
“They took a chance on the representation of Rick Strankman and I sure as heck don’t’ want to let them down.”
