Wildrose Alliance nominees begin campaigning
Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter
The nominees are in for candidates who will be representing the Wildrose Alliance in the Strathmore-Brooks Constituency. John Bland from Strathmore and Jason Hale from Bassano have thrown their names in the hat.
“My wife and I have worked as part of the Conservative Party as volunteers for 25 years,” said Bland.
“I always believed the last three years we’ve given up hope that this government can run Alberta any longer, so it was time for a change.”
Jason Hale has also been interested in politics for a number of years.
“I have lived here (Bassano) all my life, as well as my family. The Hales celebrated their 100-year anniversary of living in this area this past summer. I have ties that run deep here,” said Hale.
“Growing up in Bassano, running a business, and raising a family, I have been involved in many events that have allowed me to get to know many of the people that live in all the communities and the many needs of these communities.”
Hale is involved in agriculture, the oil and gas industry, and the education system.
“My father was a partial quadriplegic for 40 years in which we have frequented every type of medical facility. Be it hospitals ER’s, ICU’s etc. doctors clinics, diagnostic clinics and we have used the homecare system,” said Hale.
“I am very passionate about this constituency and our province. The Wildrose Alliance has the policies that we need. We need less government telling us what to do and more democracy.”
Hale said he will stand for the people of the area, their needs and concerns.
“I will be a voice for the people. I will work with the towns, cities and county boards to make sure their interests are brought forth,” he said.
To be a part of the party election, a Wildrose membership is needed and voters must reside in the Strathmore-Brooks constituency. The membership is needed a minimum of two weeks before the election date.
Bland is planning open houses for the constituents to meet and question him, though the dates and locations have yet to be determined.
“Being more open, more responsive to the people of Strathmore-Brooks,” said Bland, of what he proposes to do.
“Wildrose intends to be a more grassroots party, more listening to the people, smaller government and getting a handle on spending.”
A Wildrose MLA can vote according to the wishes of their constituent where at present and in most governments the MLA has to vote on party lines, and cannot be an individual within the party. Bland said he thinks that is huge. He said it is party policy in the current Progressive Conservative government if an MLA was to vote against the rest of the party, they would probably be kicked out of the caucus.
“I’m very receptive to talking to anybody that’s interested. I encourage anybody that wishes to talk to me, to contact me,” said Bland.
The election date has not been determined, but will likely take place at the end of April or early May.
To speak to Jason Hale contact him at 403-793-1611 or jasonhale4@gmail.com.
To speak to John Bland and find out more about what he is proposing, he can be reached at his home 403-934-3012, cell 403-934-7972 or via e-mail at bbj1@firehouse.net. Bland said his cell number is usually the easiest one to contact him at.