STEINBACH, MB
Mere seconds after longtime Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen announced his retirement, Steinbach deputy mayor Michael Zwaagstra announced his intention to run, saying he wants to continue Goertzen’s legacy of giving Andrew Unger plenty to “schput.”
“I’m running for the PC candidate in Steinbach because I believe just as Kelvin did,” said Zwaagstra from the table at Chicken Chef where he pens his weekly column for the Carillon. “My top priorities, if elected, will be to improve our schools, balance the budget, and keep Andrew Unger well supplied with satirical headlines.”
Goertzen himself was quick to endorse Zwaagstra.
“If anyone can carry on the torch of giving Andrew material, it’s Michael,” said Goertzen from his palatial retirement home in Tahiti. “I have full confidence that Michael Zwaagstra will be mentioned on the Unger Review at least as often as I was. Maybe even as often as Ted Falk.”
Zwaagstra, however, is not taking anything for granted.
“There may be other candidates who want words put in their mouths, too,” said Zwaagstra. “I’m not the only one who likes fake funny quotes made up about me.”
Unger has not yet endorsed a candidate, but says, given his track record on city council, Zwaagstra appears to be a top contender.
“Wasn’t he the one who voted to move the entire city to the Mennonite Heritage Village?” said Unger. “Keep it up, Michael, and you’ll have my support.”