Residents get a chance to meet Wildrose hopefuls

Times Reporter

 

Wildrose Alliance potential candidates held a public forum at the Travelodge in Strathmore on April 11. Approximately 125 people were in attendance. Both candidates, Jason Hale and John Bland, focused on who they are, as a person and as someone with political aspirations. 

“Basically trying to get people to get to know me, and if they get to know me, they’re going to come out and vote for me on May 7,” said Bland. 

Each candidate had a 10 minute time frame in which to introduce themselves and speak on what would make them the best candidate.  A question and answer period followed.  Jason Hale spoke first and made his standpoint clear that he is a listener who feels that education decisions need to be made locally.  

He also reviewed the party’s view on the failing health care system, and the need to make seniors a priority along with the extended health care facility previously promised. He said it is time to move Alberta towards a smaller government and rebalance the system.  John Bland spoke as passionately on his views on how the PC government is failing us and has failed to balance the budget. This, in his view, is unacceptable and it is time to work more efficiently to reduce government spending. 

Bland has been involved in the community for 35 years, and spent 25 years involved with the Progressive Conservative party. 

Bland said he knows his way around the political arena even though he has never been an elected official. 

“I don’t think I left the Conservatives, I think they left me,” said Bland.

“They’ve just kind of moved away from being fiscally responsible, that’s one of my first things, and they’re not listening to Albertans.”

Bland said one way Wildrose is trying to show they will be fiscally responsible is that Danielle Smith has vowed to lower the pay and perks of elected officials. He said he decided to run now because the opportunity is now there for him to step up and take a larger role in politics. He said he sees Wildrose as an opportunity to change things in Alberta.

“It’s just…part of who I am, that I want to better my community and serve people in my community,” said Bland.

Bland was also a member of the RCMP for 14 years, and was Corporal and Constable at several Canadian detachments. He also owns Barbeejay Supplies and a cow-calf operation. 

Bland thinks his experience is a good reason why people should vote for him, and he will be able to put that experience to good use if elected. Jason Hale is new to politics and he believes that it’s a good thing because he doesn’t come with any ‘political baggage.’ 

“I have youth integrity and determination to stand up and do what’s best for our riding,” said Hale. 

“We need to look after our seniors and make sure they have the proper care and housing and benefits that they deserve.”

At the forum, Hale discussed his background and why he thinks he will be a good candidate with the Wildrose Alliance. He joined Wildrose because he believes in their policies and the leader. Both Hale and Bland are concerned about property rights Bills 36, 19, 25 and 50. 

“I agree totally with the Wildrose Alliance, we need to repeal those bills,” said Hale.

Another thing that attracted both men is the fact that an individual MLA can vote on their constituents wishes instead of only being able to vote along party lines. Both men bring a strong case to the table, and voters still have another three weeks to determine whom they will be voting for. The election takes place May 7.