Matthew Parker was the first challenger to announce a run for council during this 2020 municipal race. (submitted photo/Matthew Parker)

By Josh Ryan

Young political challenger

Council candidate Matthew Parker focused on families

Sep 29, 2020 | 11:47 AM

A recurring theme of the upcoming municipal election is candidates who were born and raised in the community and the first individual to throw a hat into the ring is no exception.

Matthew Parker was the initial entry for city council candidates, where he currently faces two incumbents and two other challengers. A local school counsellor and swimming coach, Parker said he’s eager to venture into municipal politics in his hometown.

“I’m excited to have the chance to make a difference in the community,” he said.

Paker spent his entire life in North Battleford, aside from his post-secondary education at the University of Saskatoon. Employed by Catholic Family Services of the Battleford’s, he’s contracted to work at multiple elementary schools in the region, including Notre Dame and St. Peters in Unity. Parker said his experience gave him insight into local families that would be a benefit to council.

“I think I give a perspective on some of the social issues that are causing problems within families and could be preventing families from getting ahead,” he said.

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Parker decided to run after developing an interest in local government in the past few months. He said he sees a lack of community engagement and in running, wants to inspire young people in the community, regardless of his outcome in the election. One hope is that more people will be encouraged to run and try to make a difference.

“Even if that doesn’t work out, I want them to know they could have inspired someone to make real change,” he said.

So far, Parker has focused on social media awareness as far as campaigning goes, in order to limit close proximity with community members during the pandemic that would come with doorknocking.

“I plan to run some print handouts, but the main focus will be on social media,” he said.

He’s never participated in a public debate before, but said he’s excited to do one. The one promise he said he’ll make to residents is that he will put their needs first.

“I will choose to do what’s right for the community, even when it’s not right for myself,” he said.

Parker’s submission to run for council came on September 22, the first day for municipal nominations. The deadline for nominations is October 7.

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports