MPP Rick Nicholls, recently elected to the Ontario legislature, is looking to add another title – that of Speaker.

The Chatham-Kent-Leamington MPP, who entered his third term on June 30, informed the community through Facebook on Tuesday that he intends to seek the job of Speaker of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario.

In an interview with The Daily News, Nicholls said a wealth of experience both in and out of Queen’s Park, as well as deep respect for the legislature’s traditions, are behind his decision to take a second run at the job.

“I have tremendous respect for parliamentary traditions,” he said.

In 2014, Nicholls ran against previous Speaker Dave Levac and made it to the third ballot. Following his loss, the Nicholls was given the role of deputy speaker, which he served for the last four years – accounting for a quarter of all sessions.

“It’s a difficult job because a lot of times you have to make some difficult rulings on occasion with regards to parliamentary procedure or parliamentary protocol with regards to points of personal privilege, or points of order that members will occasionally throw at you,” he said.

If elected to the position of Speaker, Nicholls said he hopes he could introduce some common agreement to the three parties, with the goal of “working together and getting things done” rather than the “sometimes attack-attack” that occurs in the legislature.

“I want to be able to keep it into the ground, I want to be able to listen to the mood of the entire House because sometimes it can get pretty rambunctious, and of course make rules accordingly and maintain the discipline of the entire House, even with those within my own party,” he said.

Nicholls also believes that his experience as an officiant in provincial level sports such as slo-pitch and basketball is an asset for the Speaker’s job. He credits them with giving him the ability to respond and react in high-pressure situations – both on and off the playing field.

“Now seven years of experience of being on the floor of the legislature, I have a feel for that game and of course taking those skill sets in terms fairness and being firm, being able to listen intently to the other side, and to exercise wisdom in decision making.”

As Speaker, Nicholls couldn’t engage in legislative debates. Nor could he participate in caucus, nor bring forward bills on behalf of the government.

But according to Nicholls, the position would allow him easier access to government ministers that could help him address any issues in the Chatham-Kent-Leamington riding.

“I have direct access to the ministers and can invite them to my office so we can sit down and they will bring forward what they can do if they like the ideas that I bring forward to represent my constituents best,” said Nicholls. “They will work with others to get the job done.”

MPPs will vote in a new speaker through a private ballot on July 11.