A by-election will be taking place later this summer to determine who will fill the role of Ward 3 councillor in the Rural Municipality of Portage la Prairie.

A shortlist of candidates was released earlier this week of three possible options to fill the position recently vacated by long time councillor Terry Simpson. Portage Online sat down with each candidate to discuss their foray into municipal politics.

"Council will hopefully benefit from a younger council member who is actively dealing with issues within the RM for years to come," says Kontzie. "I would like to be a part of future improvements in the RM pertaining to current drainage issues and ongoing improvements of roads as well."

Kontzie notes that his farming operation is situated rather close to the Portage Diversion, and that their family cabin was lost in the 2011 floods - so lake levels and water issues are a concern during non-drought years. He adds that he is very much interested in the public service aspect of the role.

"I am not running to be a politician. I am running in the hopes to see projects get started and completed in a timely and feasible fashion," he says. "I will always try and be available for everybody's issues and do the best I can to address them, whether or not it's the answer they'd like to have, I will certainly provide them with an answer."

Kontzie adds that he hopes to bring a fresh and modern perspective to the council table and that he is not afraid to step forward and speak on the behalf of ratepayers and their concerns.