Province’s top civil servant seeks Sask. Party leadership

Another name has entered the Sask. Party leadership race, but this one isn’t as familiar.

Alanna Koch was the province’s top civil servant until she decided to run to replace Brad Wall.

At a farm south of Regina Monday, she touted her experience, despite the fact she has no seat in the legislature.

A farm background, she spent several years as the deputy minister of agriculture, but has also served as a school board trustee and served on the boards of the Agricore United and The Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership.

“The fact that I have been involved in public service and that I have all of these experiences I can bring to the table, that’s what people should focus on,” Koch maintained.

Even though she is now taking a very partisan position, she believes she has served the public service well and was a good communicator for public servants, despite the fact she has been a member of the Saskatchewan Party since its inception.

Koch has taken a leave of absence from her position effective immediately.

Indian Head MLA Don McMorris and Cannington MLA Dan D’Autremont were at the announcement.

Asked whether she would look at running in the next general election if she didn’t win the leadership, Koch wouldn’t speculate.

“I’m not looking beyond that, I am looking to be the next leader of the party and that is my intention,” Koch added.

Koch joins four others in the Sask. Party leadership race, including Gord Wyant, Ken Cheveldayoff, Tina Beaudry-Mellor and Jeremy Harrison.