After nearly two decades of being involved in politics behind the scenes, Everett Hindley has announced he will be seeking the Saskatchewan Party nomination in the Swift Current constituency.
Hindley served as a Constituency Assistant for the then newly elected Brad Wall from 1999 to 2006. When Wall ascended to the leader of the Saskatchewan Party in 2006 and then the Premier’s job in 2007, Hindley took on the duties of Executive Assistant to the Leader/Premier.
He joins Derek Robinson as the two declared candidates running for the Swift Current Constituency nomination which will be decided at a December 11 nomination meeting.
Hindley feels that his duties in managing Wall’s local MLA office, and experience with provincial and national issues over the past 18 years, would make him a good representative for the community.
“I’ve had a chance to listen to and raise concerns on behalf of individuals who have had some questions or ideas about provincial government programs. So I believe I can continue to be an effective voice for you, representing your interest in Regina and across the province,” he told a capacity audience at a luncheon announcement at the Modern Family Restaurant on Monday, October 2.
Hindley moved to Swift Current in 1996, and he worked in local radio for three-and-a-half years following his graduation from the Western Academy Broadcast College in Saskatoon. He moved into the political arena when he was approached by Wall who was looking for an individual to manage his constituency office.
“Politics is something that I had always been interested in… and I thought about it and decided I was going to make the jump and ironically enough about 18 years ago, October of 1999, I started working at the MLA office in Swift Current for Brad (Wall).”
“It was such a rewarding experience, a chance to meet people in the office, and then around the province, and then also around the country and indeed across the world too. And I think that’s why I’m excited about this opportunity.”
“I’ve had a chance to meet a lot of people in Swift Current. I’ve made a lot of connections over the years, and I think that helps to bring some experience to the table. I think I got a sense of what’s important to the people of Swift Current, and what the issues and the concerns are in this community.”
Hindley feels he is plugged into the community because of the diversity of his duties over the years.
“I’ve had the chance to work closely with locally elected leaders of City Council, the School Division, and health region, as well as various non-government and community-based organizations. We’ve seen important highways investments, a brand new long term healthcare facility, new joint-use schools, and more group homes for the disabled. I believe I can be an effective voice for the people of Swift Current going forward.”
“In the 18 years that I’ve worked for the provincial government in one capacity or another, I’ve had a chance to talk to and meet people from all different walks of life. And I think that’s one of the most satisfying parts of the job.”
“I think that’s why a person should want to run for public office, so that they can serve those people who have put their trust in them and have chosen to elect them.”
He added that the province and the City of Swift Current both have a bright future.
“There’s just so much for us to look forward to, there just truly is. Is there more work to do? Sure there is. Are there difficult choices to be made? There definitely will be. But there’s been a lot of investment in our community in recent years, and I just think there’s so much potential for our City going forward.”
He saluted Wall, who will be stepping away from provincial politics in the new year, for his successes over the years.
“Swift Current has been well served by an outstanding MLA for the last 18 years, and I would like to take this opportunity to publicly thank Brad Wall for everything he’s done for Swift Current and for our province. But it’s also time for renewal, a time for fresh ideas.”
“That’s the momentum that we built together as a team, and it’s that momentum that we need to continue to carry forward. I believe I’ve got that ability to do that for you, to maintain and build upon that momentum that we’ve worked so hard for over the years.”
Hindley and his wife Anita have two adult children Raven and Adler.
