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Wannabe premier says he had more to offer than other candidates Paul Bickford Northern News Services Published Monday, October 10, 2011
Miltenberger topped a three-person field - the same candidates as in the 2007 election - with 526 votes, compared to 426 that went to former Fort Smith mayor Peter Martselos and 263 for former Thebacha MLA Jeannie Marie-Jewell. The order of finish was the same as in the 2007 election. "In politics you're always nervous and take nothing for granted, which is why we worked as hard as we did," Miltenberger said, noting his team is experienced with crunching numbers. "We knew that if our numbers held we would be fine." It is no secret Miltenberger has ambitions to become premier of the next territorial government, and he reiterated that on election night. "I will be letting my name stand for premier," he said to cheers from supporters. When it comes time for MLAs to choose the government executive, Miltenberger said he is going to point to the work he has done and the experience he brings to the table from many portfolios. "All those will be part of the consideration, I'm sure, of all the other 18 members," he said. In the campaign in Thebacha, Miltenberger said he could put forth a solid record and senior role in government, with potential to go further. "My competitors did not have that to offer," he said. Martselos had no comment on the results after visiting Miltenberger's campaign office to congratulate the winner. Marie-Jewell also stopped by to congratulate Miltenberger. "We ran a very clean campaign. My workers worked very hard, but it's obvious that Fort Smith doesn't want any change and we accept that," she said. However, Marie-Jewell said she is still concerned as a citizen about the future of the community's hospital, Highway 5 and the way seniors are treated.
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