Watch above: Matt Battachio profiles Liberal Bill West who is running in the Lethbridge-East riding.
One thing you need to know about Bill West is: just call him Bill. Only one person calls him William.
“Only my mother, when I’m in trouble,” said West with a chuckle.
The Liberal candidate for Lethbridge East has lived on a farm for most of his life – growing up on one just south of Lethbridge.
“It was lots of hard work and it teaches you to be strong, and work before play,” said West. “I really enjoyed it.”
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Years later, West owns a farm of his own with his wife. It also doubles as a giant playground for his 15-month old son Rylon.
“He enjoys the outside and he likes the horses, he’s a good little guy,” said West. “He came out door knocking with us yesterday and even just walking back across the school field he was just having a blast.”
Welcoming a baby boy, running an election campaign and keeping up a farm is a lot to handle. Luckily, West has some help.
“My wife helps out a lot, especially right now when we’re out campaigning,” said West. “She’s a good hard worker and looks after a lot of the farm stuff.”
A peace officer and a farmer, West has never been involved in politics prior to this election. But, he believes it’s his time to step up.
“I’m not one to stand back and watch things go by. I put my name forward when work needs to be done. I didn’t like where we were and I want to see some change.”
Though it’s almost time for West to plant a new crop, some of the farm duties are going on the back burner for the time being.
“Alberta is important to me, so my wife and I have put that on hold for the time. When the election is over, we’ll take care of our stuff.”
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