Lutz could make history if elected in Kings West

Political history could very well be made in the riding of Kings West whenever the next provincial election is called, as Emily Lutz looks to become the very first female MLA elected in the riding’s history.

The riding is currently occupied by Leo Glavine, a longserving Liberal MLA who held various cabinet posts under former Premier Stephen McNeil.

Glavine announced his resignation late last year and will leave his seat when the next election is called.

The 31-year-old Lutz lives in Rockland with her husband and three children; she’s part of a sixth-generation family farm, the Lutz Family Farm, which grows apples and peaches.

She’s already racked up considerable political experience before tossing her hat in the ring. She’s currently serving her third term as deputy mayor for the Municipality of the County of Kings, and also serves as president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities.

“I think I have the energy and experience to participate (in provincial politics),” Lutz said.

Adding to the excitement of this race, Lutz won the Liberal nomination recently, only after a tight race against another young woman in her late 20s. In any case, this will be the first time a woman will be running on the Liberal ticket in Kings West.

“It (speaks) well to people wanting to be engaged in the riding. Folks felt they had two really good options,” Lutz said.

Lutz says the grassroots, close-to-the-ground nature of municipal politics is a good training ground for provincial politics.

“I’ve cut my teeth in municipal politics and am ready to engage full-time for working in my community,” she said.

KEY ISSUES

Lutz says primary care access is one of the top issues she’s hearing about from potential constituents.

She said many in her riding are either without a family doctor or are fearful of not being able to get one once their doctor retires. Lutz is already a volunteer member of a committee that supports physician recruitment, so she’s already familiar with the work needed to do to attract new doctors.

“We’re one of the best and safest places in the country, and I’m hopeful we can leverage that in attracting doctors,” Lutz said.

Another issue is affordable childcare. Lutz says childcare is “incredibly hard” to come by for many, while the spaces that are available are often not affordable for the average family. Lutz was pleased with the recent federal government budget promise of $10 a day for childcare, and she hopes the province will jump on board with additional dollars of its own to make this happen.

NEW PERSPECTIVE

As a young mother with three c hildren, Lutz believes she’s well-positioned to bring a refreshing perspective to the provincial legislature, saying that families and children deserve representation that considers them and their needs.

“I run in different circles than a traditional politician,” she said.

“I have good insight into that worldview as a parent. I have a lot of experience with maternal health care, I’m an active trail user, we use the playgrounds and parks. I’m just starting out a career, with a mortgage; I’ve seen the challenges friends and colleagues face as young people.”

Lutz adds, “It’s because I’m a parent that I’m invested in their future.”

Lutz said as a higher number of younger people become successful in politics, the more inspiration they give to other young people to consider a similar path.

“An age-diverse, a genderdiverse legislature makes better representative decisions,” she said.

When asked if she would be interested in any cabinet position in Premier Iain Rankin’s government, she kept those feelings under wraps.

“Just to be elected would be a real honour. I’m hoping to make it across the finish line.”

Lutz says she will remain in her position as deputy mayor of Kings County Council until the election is called, then will request an unpaid leave of absence. If her run for MLA is successful, she will then resign her post on council.