By Joel van der Veen
DAVIDSON — In introducing himself to voters, Perry Juttla says he’s the kind of candidate who takes a different approach to issues, bringing new ideas to the table.
This claim is borne out in some of his business proposals, such as a website that allows people to solicit or make bids for odd jobs, or using drone technology to take high-resolution photos of crops.
“I’m a younger candidate,” he told the Leader last week. “I’d like to think I’m pretty innovative in my thinking.”
As Juttla continues campaigning, he is familiarizing himself with the riding of Moose Jaw-Lanigan-Lake Centre and the huge area it covers, which he said will be critical to Saskatchewan’s future.
Regions like this are the “backbone” of the province’s economy, said Juttla, adding, “Without a thriving rural Saskatchewan, everyone suffers.”
Juttla, 32, is running for the Liberal Party in the new federal riding, facing off against the Conservatives’ Tom Lukiwski and the New Democratic Party’s Dustan Hlady in the Oct. 19 edition.
A University of Regina graduate with degrees in economics and political science, Juttla was born and raised in the province and is currently based in its capital city.
His background includes experience in agriculture, real estate and online marketing, as well as a previous run for office. He ran for the Liberals in the 2003 provincial election, finishing in third place out of five candidates in Regina Walsh Acres.
Juttla said he is passionate about politics and has enjoyed the conversations he’s had with voters so far, primarily in and around Moose Jaw, as well as in communities east of the city, including Pense and Grand Coulee.
He said the performance of both oil prices and the dollar, and their impact on the livelihoods of average Canadians, are matters of great concern.
“It seems like we’re heading into a recession,” he said. “People are worried about the direction of our economy.”
The Senate scandal and the ongoing Mike Duffy trial have also come up, he said, adding that he believes the situation reflects poorly on Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s judgment.
“It’s concerning to see the entitlement that some people have,” he said. “It’s really sad to me . . . People are struggling . . . They want opportunities, they’re looking for jobs, security.”
For the full story, please see the Aug. 24 print edition of The Davidson Leader.