Potential nominees for the Wildrose Airdrie riding participated in a meet-and-greet event at Airdrie’s Hampton Inn and Suites on Feb. 17, answering questions and networking with local Wildrose supporters.
The candidates, Ken Peterson and Atthar Mahmood, will still need to go through the Party’s vetting process, but both have submitted their paperwork to be considered for the position, said local Wildrose President Angela Pitt.
Peterson, a self-proclaimed “political rookie,” has lived in Airdrie for the past four years. He said he never anticipated signing up to be a nominee, but as his involvement with the Party progressed, he felt he could “bring something to the table.”
“I realize that the PCs are a powerful government and there are a lot of good things about them, but a government works best when there is an effective opposition,” he said. “Otherwise, there is no one to ask them the good questions, to push for change, and to hold them accountable. It’s appropriate to have both sides at the table.”
According to Peterson, had former Wildrose MLA Rob Anderson remained with the Party, Peterson would have continued to support his candidacy – but with Anderson joining the Progressive Conservatives on Dec. 17, 2014, Peterson wanted to step in.
“Sometimes, politicians talk a lot, and I prefer to listen,” he said. “I think that politics is not only about speaking for constituents, but also about listening to them – and my heart is really in that.”
Peterson said he also plans to push for more transparency in government, which he feels is an important issue, as well as the Wildrose policy to care for children, the elderly, and people with special needs.
According to Mahmood, priorities he intends to focus on for the Airdrie riding include keeping taxes low, as well as pushing for more schools and a 24-hour health care facility.
Mahmood has been an active member of the Wildrose Party since the Party’s creation, and believes that the Airdrie riding is home to a very strong Wildrose constituency.
“I am running to keep this party going,” he said. “I strongly believe this party will turn around, because we have good people, good candidates, and good policies.”
A Calgary resident, Mahmood said his decision to sign up as the nominee for Airdrie was based mainly on meetings he had with local Wildrose supporters, and his desire to help provide a voice to the constituents in the area. He said his relationship with Anderson was not a factor in his decision to sign up.
“He is a good friend, I know him very well, and I am very familiar with Airdrie,” said Mahmood. “When I came down and met with people here, I decided to go for it, because I want to help keep these people strong.”
