The face of politics in Alberta has changed drastically since I crossed the floor, leaving the Progressive Conservative government to join the Wildrose Alliance in January of 2010.
I have discussed my reasons for doing so on many occasions since then. To this day, I have no regrets. In retrospect, I can honestly say that it has been the best thing for both myself and the constituents I represent.
Prior to leaving, I spent two years as a member of the PC government. During that time, we saw the building of the south-side underpass to replace the infamous rat hole. That project was already in the works, but I did work with municipal officials to move it up by a year and it got done. That was a positive accomplishment for all involved.
Although I am in no way stating that I deserve all or most of the credit, the following has occurred since crossing the floor:
• Three schools have been announced for Airdrie, and one for Chestermere after years of the government ignoring our impending school shortage crisis. No other constituency in the province received more schools. Just prior to the announcement, the education minister said in question period that Airdrie was the No. 1 priority for schools in the province. It’s funny, he never said that while I was lobbying him as a member of the PCs.
• Provincial funding was provided for the widening of both Yankee Valley and Veterans Boulevards.
• A new Balzac interchange has been moved into the government’s three-year capital plan to service the recent boom in commercial growth. This wasn’t in the five-year plan prior to 2010.
· Due mostly to the rise of the Wildrose, the PCs reversed the New Royalty Framework, which had cost hundreds of jobs in our community.
• Due to constant political pressure from the Wildrose (including a private members motion I introduced last spring) there is now a chance of halting the proposed mega power lines that, if built, will likely double Albertans’ power bills. Many PC leadership candidates are now on record saying they will re-examine these projects if elected.
• After voting against my private members bill to limit annual increases in government spending to the rate of inflation plus population growth, the PCs, for the first time in more than a decade, kept their 2011 spending increase to below the rate of inflation plus population growth.
• According to multiple city officials, more ministers have visited Airdrie in the past 18 months to meet with municipal and community leaders than in any previous four-year term. I think I had one visit from a minister during my two years with the PCs. I wonder what changed?
If I am again honoured to be this community’s MLA after the next election - whether it be as part of a Wildrose government or Wildrose official opposition - I can assure you, our community will not be overlooked or taken for granted on my watch.
