Guenter Wins PC Nomination In Borderland

A long-haul truck driver from the Altona area will be the Manitoba Progressive Conservative nominee for Borderland in the next provincial election.

Josh Guenter beat out three other candidates to win the nomination Thursday night at the Millennium Exhibition Centre in Altona.

In recognizing his fellow contestants Jordan Siemens, Verna Heinrichs and Liz Hildebrand, Guenter admitted the victory came as a bit of surprise.

"Deep down I was ready to accept any result. You work hard and you look forward to a favourable outcome, but having said that, I have never been through a moment like this; it's almost like a dream. I'm excited obviously, and I'm sure I'll wake up tomorrow, and in a more coherent way be able to piece together the way I'm feeling right now."

In his speech to local party faithful, Guenter emphasized the need for government to help create conditions that will allow families to thrive in Manitoba. Part of that includes reducing taxes, bureaucracy and government red tape. He sees affordability for families as one of the key issues facing residents in the constituency.

"Family is at the centre of community life in this riding. It's families that are behind our businesses and run our farms. Families are what matter and I heard that loud and clear from the people I spoke with and I think they came out tonight with that interest."

Guenter has some political experience, having lived in Ottawa for two years working on Parliament Hill. He was also a campaign manager for Portage-Lisgar MP Candice Bergen and has worked for Morden-Winkler MLA Cameron Friesen.