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Jefferson McClung is seeking the nomination to be the next local conservative candidate

While campaigning, McClung is continuing his duties as a full-time teacher
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Jefferson McClung is seeking the nomination to be the next conservative candidate for the federal riding of Battle River-Crowfoot.

McClung lives just outside of Stettler with his wife and three children. He is currently a Social Studies teacher at Wm E Hay Stettler Secondary Campus.

“I’ve always been interested in politics - even as a youth. But I didn’t become really invested in it until my university years,” he said, adding that over the last couple of years he became increasingly interested in public office as well.

“I try to get involved wherever I see a need.”

Key issues currently run the gamut from ongoing economic recovery and development to restoring and maintaining a strong trading relationship with China.

Crime reduction is also an issue McClung sees as critical, pointing out that he believes there needs to be stronger punishments for repeat offenders.

“Currently, we are seeing a reduction in sentencing being pushed through the Senate at this moment. I think that’s going in the completely opposite way we need to be going for our rural communities.”

McClung has been busy juggling his campaign commitments along with his duties as a full-time teacher.

“I’ve been spending every single day knocking on doors and talking to people personally,” he said.

“That’s my favourite part - actually hearing from people directly.”

These days, as mentioned, he’s been busy working through the day while also connecting with potential supporters across the region.

“My days are long as I still have all my marking and lesson plans to create on top of my campaigning. I am not a career politician with a team of professional campaigners behind me. I do not have the luxury of stepping down from my job to campaign, nor would I do that to my students right before they graduate. I am too invested in their success.”

A sampling of his past employment would reveal that he has worked as a labourer building oil, water, and sewer pipelines.

He has been a missionary for his church. He has done all manner of construction, from building houses and schools to building roads. He has worked on many farms including his own.

“I understand the issues facing regular Albertans because I am a regular Albertan.

“I have (also) seen how the policies of the Liberal government have hurt the people of our riding. Our economy has been devastated. First, it was our natural resource industry that came under attack, now our farmers are dealing with a trade war. This has affected all areas of our economy.

“I am passionate about fighting for what is best for the people of this riding. Alberta deserves better than how the Liberals have been treating us.”

As a Social Studies teacher, McClung also has a thorough knowledge of politics, economics and civics.

He has been studying these subjects for two decades and intends on using this knowledge to advocate for the people of Battle River-Crowfoot.

He is passionate and vocal about the issues, gives real answers and will fight for real change, he said.

“The people of this riding are tired of politicians who will not give a straight answer to questions. I always have, and always will give honest direct answers. I do not talk like a typical politician, because I am not a typical politician, and I am prepared to fight harder than a typical politician.”

Nomination selection is expected to be done by mid-July.