The Saskatchewan New Democrats made “a good decision” in their selection of Cam Broten for leadership, at least according to former MLA and Moose Jaw mayor Glenn Hagel.
“He has about six years of experience in the Legislature and a strong background in public service,” Hagel told the Times-Herald on Monday.
Broten was selected to lead the party in a close vote against Ryan Meili at the leadership convention on Saturday. He won by a margin of 44 votes on the second ballot following the exit of third-place candidate Trent Wotherspoon on the first.
Wotherspoon did not back either candidate.
Hagel applauded the contenders for fighting a clean campaign and said he was pleased with the youth of the candidates.
“This campaign was not a news-grabbing, nasty one. It was one in which four strong candidates took a collaborative approach, with a view of how politics should run,” he said.
Broten’s first speech, which sounded notes of party unity and the involvement of the other contenders for leadership, showcased the kind of man Hagel said he is.
“He’s thoughtful, (and) a good listener,” he said.
“He’s also part of that important generation that’s raising families,” Hagel added. “He’s from that generation that is building their future and, more importantly, building a future for Saskatchewan.”
