Martin Ring (right) has been out of the political spotlight since an unsuccessful attempt at the mayoralty in 2016. (File photo/paNOW Staff)

By Glenn Hicks

three horse race

Martin Ring runs for local Sask Party nomination

May 30, 2019 | 8:30 AM

A familiar figure in local municipal politics is giving the provincial arena a try.

Former city councillor Martin Ring is joining what is now a three-person race for the Saskatchewan Party nomination for the Prince Albert Northcote riding.

Ring said his role as a board member at Mont St Joseph Care Home highlights one area of advocacy he’d focus on if he became an MLA.

I have no qualms standing in front of groups and speaking my mind _{– Martin Ring}

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“There are certain things that have to be brought to the provincial government’s attention more strongly with where we’re going with senior care,” he told paNOW. “That’s not only in Prince Albert but in the province as a whole.” He added a new hospital would also be on his agenda.

Ring, a retired Canada Post superintendent, sat on Prince Albert city council for a decade. He made a bid for the Mayor’s chair in 2016 but finished second to incumbent Greg Dionne in a four-person contest.

He said he’d been approached to run provincially by people in the community who felt it would be a good fit for him and he figured his communication skills would be an asset.

“My ability to be out in the public; I have no qualms standing in front of groups and speaking my mind, but there’s going to have to be the party line to be towed at some point as well,” he said.

Ring is also a colour commentator on local radio during play-by-play broadcasts for the Prince Albert Raiders. He admitted he was hopeful his high profile, especially this season, could give him an advantage.

“I am obviously counting on some people recognizing my voice, recognizing some of my thoughts, just from being involved with that tremendously successful season for our Prince Albert Raiders.

Ring does not reside in the P.A. Northcote riding but said he had experience in dealing with issues on the broad brushstrokes of the whole community.

“Yes, I’m going to represent the riding, absolutely. Do I know the riding? Absolutely. I’m born and raised here in the city of Prince Albert.”

With the exception of the Saskatchewan Party’s Victoria Jurgens in the 2011 election, Prince Albert Northcote has returned New Democrat MLAs since 1991. Incumbent NDP MLA Nicole Rancourt will seek re-election. Both Jurgens and Alana Ross, a local health care professional, recently announced their intentions to run.

The Saskatchewan Party nomination meeting for Prince Albert Northcote will be held on Monday, June 10, 4:30 p.m. at the Prince Albert Exhibition Centre.

With files from Glenn Hicks

teena.monteleone@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow