In the run-up to the Lumsden-Morse byelection, Jon Hromek, a husband, father of four, and petroleum engineer by trade, is making a strong bid to represent the constituents under the Saskatchewan United Party.
Hromek, who resides in the Lumsden area, seeks to address key issues facing the region and bring transparency and accountability to the provincial government.
Speaking about his background, Hromek emphasized his strong economic knowledge and family-driven focus.
"We love Saskatchewan, we love our community, and we want to see Saskatchewan be all she can be,” he stated.
As far as his motivation for running in the election, Hromek acknowledged the need for transparency and accountability in the Saskatchewan Government.
He noted a recent incident in Lumsden's high school that impacted him. Planned Parenthood had given a presentation to a grade nine class regarding sexually transmitted infections. However, it contained materials that Hromek believed were inappropriate for young students.
“I decided this is this is a great time to get involved and put my name forward just to raise awareness as to what's going on in the province and why our ministers and premiers seem to be asleep at the wheel,” he elaborated. "We need to get involved and be a voice for the people.”
If elected, Hromek's primary goals include pushing for greater autonomy over Saskatchewan's natural resources and cutting ties with federal programs that do not serve the province's best interests.
He also advocated for an immediate cut to the provincial carbon tax and a reduction of 1% off the provincial sales tax (PST) to help relieve the financial burden on citizens.
Regarding healthcare, Hromek believes it should be a prepaid service and wants to hold the government accountable for mismanaging the healthcare system.
“We know that the province of Saskatchewan doesn't have a money problem, it has a management problem,” he stated. “We believe it's time that the province had elected officials that do whatever it takes for the Saskatchewan people. That is why I want to run and that's what I want to do, is to represent the Saskatchewan people and to do what it takes in order to represent them.”
Hromek also expressed his enthusiasm for being the first-ever candidate to run under the Saskatchewan United Party for MLA. He sees it as an excellent opportunity to bring fresh voices to the table and expand the conversation.
“This is a byelection, so, I see it as a very unique opportunity,” he explained. “I'm viewing this as a one-year job interview. It's like having a probationary employee, if the constituents vote for me and give support to put me in the House and to represent them, they have one year to evaluate what I can do for them. Then when the general election comes next October, they can either fire me or they can hire me for four years. So, I view that as a unique opportunity.”
Voters will head to the polls on August 14 to elect their new representative.