Rookie MLA Michelson in awe of the whole process

The first day the rookie Moose Jaw North MLA Warren Michelson went to the legislature was an awesome experience.
"I walked up that first time and it was really special," he said in an interview.
"I stood at the bottom of the steps and just took it all in for a minute because it's a special feeling . . . knowing this is where decisions are made for the province and the economy.
"I think (the Legislature) deserves a fair amount of respect."
Michelson hopes frankness and respect will be a mark of the new government. "Being transparent, being approachable, being fiscally responsible are the things (voters) are looking for."
Good growth of the province is important but with caution, not too fast, he says.
The hospital expansion, inland port and multiplex are priority issues for him.
"I really want to push the caucus to make sure the hospital is being looked after. I want it in the first budget."
Given the finance minister's disclosure on the state of provincial finances "this may be something they will want to look at a little bit more and I can understand that."
"By the same token, nothing has been in Moose Jaw for years as far as advancing hospital needs and I think it's past time."
The MLA wants to sit down with the committee working on an inland port/distribution centre in this region. " I think Moose Jaw can do much more in transport with our location."
He's concerned the multiplex is still in initial planning two years after 71 per cent of voters approved the project.
Michelson expects his job as vice-chairman of the public accounts committee will be intensive as the committee performs watchdog duties on spending of allocated funds.
"You need to make sure the taxpayers' money is handled in the right way. With a change of government there may be a lot to be looked into."
And he expects to work in non-partisan ways with the committee's Opposition chairperson.
An MLA office will open by Monday at 326B High St. W. to deal better with local residents, he said.
Currently Michelson works from 8 a.m. until 11 p.m., getting up to speed on the pile of binders and presentations from every department and agency in government.
His work ethic comes from his farmer parents who instilled in him the principle: "If it's important enough to do, do it right."
Michelson says he has been impressed by the frankness of Premier Brad Wall since he met Wall in Swift Current years ago.
Wall worked full-time in economic development at Swift Current and part-time for CKSW radio which Michelson managed.
Wall applied for a job as station program director but turned the offer down because "his aspirations were best met where he was."
But Wall continued working with radio part-time on special projects, such as being the voice of Santa.

Ron Walter can be reached at 691-1264.