And they’re off.
As expected, Premier Alison Redford dropped the election writ March 26 to set off a provincial campaign that will end with Albertans going to the polls April 23.
Airdrie’s candidates, incumbent Rob Anderson of the Wildrose Party, Progressive Conservative (PC) candidate and current Airdrie Deputy Mayor Kelly Hegg and NDP representative Bryan Young are looking forward to the election.
Anderson said this will be the most competitive election in 40 years.
“I am looking forward to seeing Albertans react to the positive new ideas Wildrose will be putting out there,” he said.
“People are ready for a change and there is no safe PC seat anywhere in the province. Every riding in the province is in play. People want a change and that change is the Wildrose.”
The riding of Airdrie-Chestermere will split into two and become Airdrie and Chestermere-Rocky View after the election.
Hegg said all the candidates are going to have to put their best foot forward for the election. He said he is excited to get out and talk to Airdronians.
“For the past seven years on council, I have been hearing education is the biggest concern of residents,” he said.
“I hope to continue to voice what I’m hearing. I am a good listener and I am able to articulate what Airdrie’s needs are. I want to make sure the Province hears our voices loud and clear and I think I’m the person to do that job.”
Young, 22, said he brings youth and vibrant energy to the game.
“I’m ready to hear Airdronians’ thoughts and concerns and relay it on a human level,” he said.
“I am not going to put up any smoke shows and toe the party line. I’m going to be transparent.”
More candidates could still come forward for the Airdrie constituency. Nominations must be filed by April 9.
Young ran in the 2008 election and has been a member of the NDP organization since 2004.
Hegg has been on City council for seven years and will not have to step down for the election but would have to resign if he is elected. Anderson has been a MLA for four years but this is the first year he will run as a Wildrose candidate. He was elected as a PC candidate in 2008 and crossed the floor to Wildrose in 2010.
“I’m far from perfect but I’ve always stood up for what I believe in and I don’t believe in toeing the party line,” said Anderson. “My No. 1 duty is to the people of Airdrie, not to the PC Party or the Wildrose party. Party politics is a cancer on democracy. Wildrose MLAs are free to vote according to what they feel is right.”
In the 2008 general election, only 40.2 per cent of eligible Albertans voted. Anderson, as a PC, won the election with 9,372 votes; Wildrose Alliance candidate Jeff Willerton had 2,360; Liberal party representative John Burke received 1,972; Green party candidate David Brandreth got 660 and NDP candidate Young received 614.
Anderson said he hopes to see a larger turnout in this spring’s election.
“A larger voter turnout will be a good indication that we will have a change in government,” he said.
“The PCs only hope is that people stay home.”
Hegg said he hopes local residents will get out to the polls because they are looking for a change from Wildrose representation and he wants to be that change.
Young said he thinks it is healthy for residents to be critical of the government and show that by getting out to vote.
“I think it is time people start to question why aren’t we progressing with health care and education?” he said.
The Airdrie Chamber of Commerce will host an all candidates forum to take place at Bert Church Theatre on April 16 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
