Teenager, father throw their hats in the ring for the provincial election

BRIGETTE JOBIN
The Prince Albert Daily Herald

Ray Johnson is the Green Part of Saskatchewan candidate for the Prince Albert Northcote riding. Herald photo by Brigette Jobin

Much like Premier Lorne Calvert did before calling an election, Ray Johnson went for a walk, too.

What happened on that walk is what prompted Johnson to put his hat into the political ring as a Green Party of Saskatchewan candidate for the Prince Albert Northcote riding.

"I went for a walk at Little Red and ran into these two older ladies who were picking flowers," said Johnson.

"I asked them if they knew a lot about the Green Party. They smiled and said they always voted Green Party."

That was enough of a sign for Johnson and on Friday he filed his nomination papers. It's the first time Johnson has run since he is 19 years old. He hopes his youth inspires people.

His decision to run is fuelled by variety.

"I wanted to give the voters another choice," he said.

It's the same reason his father is also running in the election. Harold Johnson is the Green Party candidate in the Cumberland riding.

"People in Saskatchewan need a choice," Harold said in a telephone interview from La Ronge.

Harold, who is a lawyer, was asked by a member of the Green Party if he would consider running as a candidate.

He accepted and heard there was an opening in Prince Albert for a candidate and told his son about it.

As the election heats up, Harold says he and Ray will sit down and share ideas.

The family affair for the 2007 provincial election doesn't stop there. Harold's daughter is the campaign manager for the men.

bjobin@paherald.sk.ca