Squires should be at home at the legislature

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This article was published 26/04/2016 (3694 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Rochelle Squires keeps finding her way back to the Manitoba legislature.

The Progressive Conservative candidate and new MLA for Riel garnered 5,022 votes in the April 19 provincial election. Squires beat longtime NDP incumbent Christine Melnick by 2,049 votes. Third-placed Neil Johnston (Lib) garnered 1,632 votes.

Melnick had held the riding since 2003 and also beat Squires in the last provincial election race in Riel in 2011.

Squires said the learning curve of five years ago helped her campaign this time around.

“It hasn’t completely sunk in yet, but I’m elated about the opportunity,” said Squires, 45, a journalist and writer.

“It’s been a great experience right from the get-go. It’s the same team as I had in 2011 and we hit the ground running and kept things moving forward. This time, people in the community knew who I was. By our third or fourth sweep of the riding, people got to know me, our team and the principals I stand for.”

Squires said while on the doorsteps of constituents she heard a lot about a “strong desire for change and change for the better.

“People paying a lot in taxes was also a common thread,” she said.

Having previously gone through the emotional roller-coaster of an election night didn’t stop the butterflies flapping and the adrenalin pumping once again.

“On the night of April 19, I felt a lot of anxiety as I had that memory of being defeated in 2011, which does play a factor in your mind. But now I’m excited, over-the-top thrilled and so deeply honoured to be elected,” she said.

Squires has already dusted off her reading glasses as she’ll be receiving a big binder in the coming weeks full of information to brief her on what lies ahead.

Squires was previously a political reporter at the legislature and also a political staffer for the PC Manitoba caucus. Now, she is set to return to 450 Broadway in a different capacity.

“The legislature is home for me. I know the whole building but I’ve never had a seat in the chamber,” Squires said.

“It’s early days but I’m excited about getting started and serving the community.”

Squires garnered 52.2 per cent of the vote in Riel.

simon.fuller@canstarnews.com

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