The race for council seats in Ward 1 in the Rural Municipality of La Broquerie is heating up with two more names being added to the list.

First-time council candidate John Letkeman says his grandparents established a dairy farm in the R.M. of La Broquerie many years ago and his family has lived in the Municipality ever since. Rather than sitting back and watching what goes on, he says he wants to get involved and help the community.

“Everybody complains about everything and I am no different, we all have our opinions. I figured, maybe just maybe I should step in and maybe I can do something and help. It is maybe a new set of eyes, I am coming in cold, I have never been in politics. Hopefully, prayerfully I can add something to it and help.”

Letkeman says keeping taxes at a reasonable level is his number one priority, followed closely by gravel road maintenance and business development.

“We have had tremendous growth in the rural area, but businesses, really none. I would love to see more businesses come in, so how can we promote that? Right now, never mind adults with full-time jobs, if parents want their kids to get a part-time job, they have to drive to Steinbach, there is nothing locally, it would be nice to have some of our own.”

Letkeman says he is excited to get his feet wet and bring fresh ideas to La Broquerie council.

Darrell Unger has served on council in the R.M. of La Broquerie for the past two terms and is seeking re-election.

"I am certainly going to be running for my third term, I have enjoyed working these last two terms in the R.M. We will be certainly focusing on road construction and getting the roads built properly and doing some more paving in the future. Expanded business in the community would help with jobs and continuing to expand the community."

Residents will elect three council candidates in Ward 1 on October 24th.