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7, No. 22November Tuesday, April 3, 2012 Vol. 7, No. Vol. 2, Tuesday, 8, 2011
Wildrose leader Danielle Smith makes grassroots appeal to local constituents
Wildrose Party Leader Danielle Smith, at the podium, addressed supporters last Wednesday evening at a rally held in a local farmer Dale Schultz’s equipment shed one mile north of Lamont. Local candidate Shannon Stubbs is hoping to become the next MLA for the Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville constituency on April 23rd. BY MICHELLE PINON Editor
Undeniably, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville riding is one of the most important constituencies in Alberta, and Wildrose candidate Shannon Stubbs told a group of about 100 supporters huddled up in a farmer’s equipment shed a mile north of Lamont last Wednesday evening, “how great” it was to be there near family and friends. Stubbs also expressed her gratitude to her mentor and friend, and Wildrose Party leader Danielle Smith. “I’m glad Danielle could come and visit so early on the campaign,” added Stubbs, who introduced Smith to the enthusiastic crowd shortly after 6 p.m. “This campaign is about the future of Alberta,” stated Stubbs, as well as creating a new generation of leadership. She alluded to the strong foundation of the Wildrose Party and the equally strong leadership of Smith.
“It’s time. It’s time Albertans form a Wildrose government,” declared Smith. Her words were greeted with hearty applause and many cheers from supporters. Smith compared the PC government to a bunch of bullies who don’t listen, let alone represent the opinions and values of regular Albertans as well as those “MLA’s to be, like Shannon Stubbs.” Smith told the audience that the Wildrose would operate a “lean, clean, fair and smart” government; a government that works for regular Albertans, not the other way around. “Finally, there’s a party that’s here for you!” Smith, one of five children, briefly reflected on her upbringing. “We went through some tough times,” but like many other Albertan families, managed to make it through those difficult years. “I suppose we were poor, but I didn’t think I was.” She talked about her first car, a ‘72 Datsun that was so rusted out that you could see right through the floor boards. She started pushing a cart in a bingo parlor before working at McDonalds for a time before working her way
up in the restaurant business. She talked about earning her way through two university degrees with minimal student loan debt. “My experiences are not that much different than other Albertans.” Smith talked about the strong work ethic Albertans have as well as importance of caring for ourselves and our neighbours. “Forty years after Lougheed formed the PC government, it has forgotten its core values like the federal PC government. That’s why this campaign is so critical. That’s why the choice you are facing is so important.” Smith then encouraged Albertans to embrace the “new ideas” and “people first” approach, and “initiative” of Wildrose members who have been building the party up since its inception back in 2009. Referring to Premier Redford’s recent speech, and Redford’s desire to change the character of the province, she stated: “I don’t think it needs to change. I love Alberta.” Continued on page 2