Lacombe-Ponoka MLA Ron Orr is welcoming the challenge for the United Conservative Party nomination.

“I think it’s a very democratic process and of course, as the UCP, we’ve made a point of trying to make a party that is democratic to our roots,” Orr said.

“I think it’s healthy, the majority of our ridings are being hotly contested and creating a lot of great discussions. I think it’s good for the province and the people to have an opportunity to have a say on it.”

Lacombe city councillor Thalia Hibbs and Ponoka County resident Rita Reich are both contesting the nomination as well.

The incumbent MLA is counting on his experience at the Alberta legislature to convince members to let him carry the UCP flag into the 2019 provincial election.

“I’ve got a good network of connections of people now. I just got back from the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association conference and had the opportunity to converse with conservatives from both Saskatchewan, Manitoba and beyond,” Orr said. “I’ve been through the learning curve and know what needs to be done here and how to get it done in this province.”

First elected as a Wildrose MLA in 2015 and with his first term was spent in opposition, Orr said he’s spoken up on issues like health care in central Alberta, farmers’ rights, and choice in education.

As well, Orr said he’s also voiced his opposition to the carbon tax.

Orr adds that he’s committed to seeking consensus and creating a political environment that’s less polarized.

“I think we need the kind of leaders that are willing to sit down and speak respectfully face-to-face with others, that are willing to actually listen to ideas that we may not particularly agree with and actually build a consensus,” he said.

“The real core of political work is building consensus and I think some politicians have forgotten that. I’m committed to working on building consensus, to working together with people, to listen to people’s concerns and help build the good society, the good land here in central Alberta.”