If he ever makes it to the premier’s office, Tory leadership hopeful Rob Lantz says he would get rid of cars and credit cards for senior staffers and government ministers.
Lantz made this pledge as the first in what he says will be a number of announcements over the course of his campaign to become the leader of the Progressive Conservative party of P.E.I.
“It’s time to offer new energy and new hope for Prince Edward Island, and I’m here today to put forward a plan to offer a new direction for our province,” Lantz said Thursday.
His campaign launch in Charlottetown drew a crowd of over 300 supporters - the biggest turnout of the three Tory leadership announcements this week.
There were no fiddlers or musicians as there were at the other two, but there was a professionally produced video about Lantz shown prior to his march to the podium.
During his speech, Lantz spoke of unity and collaboration, saying the PC convention should be a “time to heal old wounds, not settle old scores.”
He was sometimes emotional, especially when referring to his wife and children. He was also emotional when stressing the need for improved services for those struggling with addictions, mental health issues and poverty.
Lantz spoke at length about the need for a new direction for the province, saying he has heard from too many Islanders who have become disillusioned with political parties and politicians.
“Everyone, every party talks about doing things differently, so how do we go about putting those words into action?”
He told his supporters he will develop a new plan for the province in conversation with Islanders at ‘kitchen tables, in boardrooms, over the hoods of tractors and on the sterns of fishing boats.’
This plan will include an improved education system, sustainable job growth, fostering primary industries and living within the province’s means, he said.
He made no mention of the Liberal party or government, but did position himself as a counter to the sole Liberal leadership candidate, Wade MacLauchlan, in saying he is “not an optimist or a pessimist,’ but rather a realist. MacLauchlan has been publicly calling himself an “optimist-in-chief.”
As for his promise to eliminate credit cards and cars for cabinet ministers and the premier, Lantz explained this would offer more transparency for personal expenses.
“I’ve worked for a private company for a long, long time. When I travel, I submit my receipts. I drive my own car and submit my receipts, and it’s all right there for everyone to see.”
Lantz’s campaign co-chairs are former Charlottetown deputy mayor Stu MacFadyen, lawyer Margaret Anne Walsh and former Tory MLA Philip Brown.
Brown, who was working for federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea until a few months ago, had himself been considering a run for the Tory leadership.
He has decided instead to endorse Lantz and help run his campaign.
“Rob has always embraced new ideas and new ways of thinking,” Brown said.
“I am supporting Rob Lantz because he has what it takes to lead us in a new direction.”
The three PC leadership candidates will now turn their attention to drumming up support and signing up party members. They all have said they plan to travel the Island tip to tip to hear from Islanders and share their ideas and vision for the province.
The PC leadership convention will be held on Feb. 28, 2015.
If he ever makes it to the premier’s office, Tory leadership hopeful Rob Lantz says he would get rid of cars and credit cards for senior staffers and government ministers.
Lantz made this pledge as the first in what he says will be a number of announcements over the course of his campaign to become the leader of the Progressive Conservative party of P.E.I.
“It’s time to offer new energy and new hope for Prince Edward Island, and I’m here today to put forward a plan to offer a new direction for our province,” Lantz said Thursday.
His campaign launch in Charlottetown drew a crowd of over 300 supporters - the biggest turnout of the three Tory leadership announcements this week.
There were no fiddlers or musicians as there were at the other two, but there was a professionally produced video about Lantz shown prior to his march to the podium.
During his speech, Lantz spoke of unity and collaboration, saying the PC convention should be a “time to heal old wounds, not settle old scores.”
He was sometimes emotional, especially when referring to his wife and children. He was also emotional when stressing the need for improved services for those struggling with addictions, mental health issues and poverty.
Lantz spoke at length about the need for a new direction for the province, saying he has heard from too many Islanders who have become disillusioned with political parties and politicians.
“Everyone, every party talks about doing things differently, so how do we go about putting those words into action?”
He told his supporters he will develop a new plan for the province in conversation with Islanders at ‘kitchen tables, in boardrooms, over the hoods of tractors and on the sterns of fishing boats.’
This plan will include an improved education system, sustainable job growth, fostering primary industries and living within the province’s means, he said.
He made no mention of the Liberal party or government, but did position himself as a counter to the sole Liberal leadership candidate, Wade MacLauchlan, in saying he is “not an optimist or a pessimist,’ but rather a realist. MacLauchlan has been publicly calling himself an “optimist-in-chief.”
As for his promise to eliminate credit cards and cars for cabinet ministers and the premier, Lantz explained this would offer more transparency for personal expenses.
“I’ve worked for a private company for a long, long time. When I travel, I submit my receipts. I drive my own car and submit my receipts, and it’s all right there for everyone to see.”
Lantz’s campaign co-chairs are former Charlottetown deputy mayor Stu MacFadyen, lawyer Margaret Anne Walsh and former Tory MLA Philip Brown.
Brown, who was working for federal Fisheries Minister Gail Shea until a few months ago, had himself been considering a run for the Tory leadership.
He has decided instead to endorse Lantz and help run his campaign.
“Rob has always embraced new ideas and new ways of thinking,” Brown said.
“I am supporting Rob Lantz because he has what it takes to lead us in a new direction.”
The three PC leadership candidates will now turn their attention to drumming up support and signing up party members. They all have said they plan to travel the Island tip to tip to hear from Islanders and share their ideas and vision for the province.
The PC leadership convention will be held on Feb. 28, 2015.
