ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - Some facts about the candidates for the leadership of the governing Progressive Conservatives in Newfoundland and Labrador:
Paul Davis
Age: 53
Occupation: Member of the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature for Topsail.
Political career: Served as a town councillor for Conception Bay South for nine years and was twice chosen by council colleagues to be deputy mayor. Elected to the provincial legislature in a byelection in 2010. Held cabinet portfolios including Transportation and Child, Youth and Family Services.
Outside politics: Joined the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in 1985 and was assigned to multiple units including property crimes, major crimes, child sexual abuse and media relations.
Quote: "We have to look at the transformation and successes that have happened in the last 10 years, and we also have to look at the future. What my campaign is going to be about is where we go in the next decade and where we go in the future as a province."
Steve Kent
Age: 36
Occupation: Member of the Newfoundland and Labrador legislature for Mount Pearl North.
Political career: In 1997, at the age of 19, was elected to Mount Pearl city council and became deputy mayor. Elected mayor of Mount Pearl six years later. Elected to the provincial legislature in 2007 and has held cabinet portfolios including municipal and intergovernmental affairs.
Outside politics: Served as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Newfoundland for more than five years. Volunteers with a number of organizations including Scouts Canada and the Knights of Columbus.
Quote: "There are issues and situations that we could have undoubtedly handled better. Lots of people have recognized that we've had challenges as a government with communications. I'll work on that. I'll make sure that the disconnect that exists between all of the prosperity that we're enjoying as a province and our government is fixed."
John Ottenheimer
Age: 61
Occupation: Lawyer.
Political career: First elected provincially in 1996 to represent the riding of St. John's East. Appointed to cabinet in 2003 and held a number of portfolios including Education and Health. Left politics in 2007.
Outside politics: Taught high school in St. John's, N.L., and also served as principal at schools elsewhere in the province. Called to the bar in 1982. After quitting politics in 2007, served as the chairman of the board of directors for Nalcor Energy, Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro and the Churchill Falls (Labrador) Corp. until 2011.
Quote: "We have to do a lot more in terms of our ability to relate with the public. We've learned the hard way. The public will not tolerate that sense of not being a part of the political process."
