A second-year student at the University of Manitoba is hoping to represent Spruce Woods in the Manitoba Legislature following election day. Jaron Hart, who is majoring in Political Science with a minor in English, is the Liberal candidate for the rural constituency. The former Brandon-area resident explains why he wanted his name on the ballot.

"Shortly after moving to Winnipeg I got involved with the Young Liberals group and it just felt right for me. I believe in social values but I also believe in fiscal responsibility and I believe the Manitoba Liberal Party provides that right balance."

We asked Hart why he wanted to snag the Liberal nomination in Spruce Woods.

"This seems like the right place for me because I'm a small town guy at heart. I consider myself growing up in the riding because I spent many summers camping at Spruce Woods Provincial Park."

He feels good about the Liberal's odds of making some in-roads in Spruce Woods this election, which is typically a Tory strong-hold, noting Manitobans are looking for change.

Having grown up in Brandon and northern Manitoba, Hart says he's quite aware of the local issues that rural Manitobans face that are currently being ignored by the NDP government. He says for example, the PST increase implemented by the NDP in order to pay for infrastructure work.

"Unfortunately a lot of that infrastructure dollars is being spent in the City of Winnipeg and that's unfair to rural voters because we all do our share and pay our share of taxes. That's why I'm very happy to represent the Manitoba Liberal Party on their recent announcement to divide the one per cent PST increase on a per-capita basis for all rural municipalities and First Nations...in the province of Manitoba."

In speaking with voters Hart says he's learned that Manitobans want change, however some have also become disheartened and are debating whether to even cast a vote on April 19th. He notes there are good people running for office that are eager to hear from constituents and urges voters to give them a chance.