The Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA is thankful for his constituents' support as he heads into the final few months in office. (submitted photo/Larry Doke, MLA Cut Knife Turtleford)

By Josh Ryan

Stretch run

Larry Doke ready for final months as MLA

Jul 8, 2020 | 3:34 PM

Despite his last day in session, MLA Larry Doke said things aren’t likely to slow down this summer for his office.

The legislative assembly member for Cut Knife-Turtleford plans on tackling as many local issues as possible until his last day in September. He’s looking at a slowdown in local business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and hopes to get a few projects in motion before election season begins.

“I think everyone’s trying clean up any outstanding issues, so our office has been busy,” Doke said.

Doke will leave office after 30 years of municipal and provincial politics. Prior to his election win in 2011, he served on the North Battleford City Council and the Chamber of Commerce, as well as 16 years as councillor for the Resort Village of Metinota, where he resides with his wife Valerie.

“These folks are exemplary citizens who have never forgotten why they were elected,” Premier Scott Moe said last week, addressing the 11 departing MLA’s.

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The 68-year-old said it was an honour to represent his constituents and said while he still enjoys provincial politics, this is right move for him to step down.

“It’s not that I don’t enjoy it. It’s just time,” Doke said. “These years now, going forward, I would like to spend time with my wife and family.”

Looking back at the past nine years, Doke said he is proud of the work he’s been able to do in partnership with many people, even if the outcome wasn’t always desired.

“You don’t always give the answer the constituents want to hear,” he said. “But for the most part, we’ve been very vigilant on getting back to them and getting an answer, whether right or wrong.”

He’s proudest of advocating for infrastructure projects, like the passing lanes to Cochin, and adding doctors to several communities, making a point to thank groups there that welcomed the new physicians. He’s also pleased with the progress that led to the Collaborative Emergency Centre in Maidstone.

“Quite proud of that,” Doke said. “And it wasn’t me. It was the staff. A few of them didn’t buy in at first, but they all buy in now and it’s been very good.”

Several people have approached him about the possibility of running for mayor in Metinota, but Doke said he’s not planning on looking for a job at the moment.

“I restore old vehicles and I’ve got lots do, believe me,” he said. “My fishing skills have slumped and so has my golf game, so I’ve got to get those back on par.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports