Wildrose AGM looking for new faces

Times Contributor 

 

The local constituency for the Wildrose Alliance Party held their Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Jan. 8 at the Travelodge in Strathmore.

“The AGM was good. We didn’t have a great turnout, but not bad for January in a time when most people go away,” said Constituency President Glen Freeland.

Elections for officers were completed with three new people filling the secretary, fund raising and communication’s officer roles. 

Freeland said they are looking to get a bit more participation from the Brooks-area and was pleased that there are two Brooks area people on the board. He also said the executive are looking for more board members overall. The board meets every third Wednesday of the month and meetings rotate throughout the district. The next meeting is in Brooks.

“We, as the executive, have the ability to recruit new board members so I am always looking,” said Freeland. “I look at individuals that have the ability to offer something to the board, someone who can think outside the box. They don’t have to have a strong political background, that isn’t necessary, but they have to be a supporter of the Wildrose party and a member in good standing.”

Due to a public perception backlash in the last election, the party is taking a closer look at candidate views and generally not considering those with extreme views for leadership roles. Freeland said this is particularly true on the provincial level. However, the constituency does support diversity and age is no barrier. Freeland said they have one board member who is 20-years-old.

“I look for someone who is a good level-headed, strong, solid individual that can communicate, look at new ideas and bring something to the table that helps to speak to individuals in the community. We want to make our community a better place for our constituents,” said Freeland. “We want to have a strong voice for our constituency at the board level, so we can take that to our government officials.”

The provincial party has started looking for candidates that might be suitable for the next election.

“You have to be cognisant that it is coming up in the spring of 2016, and time goes by so quick. You have to make sure you are always in that election mode,” said Freeland.

Freeland said it is not just the Wildrose Party gearing up, and he will be interested to see who other parties put forward to challenge Jason Hale, our elected MLA. 

Freeland said public feedback shows area residents are pleased with Hale’s track record so far. Hale had a chance to update people on his current work in the legislature field questions from members.

“The questions that were coming in… of course we look at each area within the constituency, so we have Strathmore, Bassano, and Brooks. It is amazing the difference of priorities that we are seeing,” said Freeland.

For this area, healthcare issues, seniors healthcare and the closing of the extended care were again brought up. Everyone was positive about retaining WADEMSA under a local contract. Freeland said there was also discussion on the current governments spending policies. 

“Given the mindset that our current government has, it is normally not that open to discussion. Once they make up their mind whether they are right, wrong or indifferent… and often they are wrong, they are not open to change. So this is why we like people to get involved,” said Freeland. “If citizens do get together and have a united strong voice on something that is most definitely an injustice that is where we see the possibility of change, and we’ve definitely shown that the process works.”

Freeland was disappointed in the last election that people stuck with the ‘devil they knew’. He thinks that many will be rethinking their vote in 2016, and they will consider that the Wildrose Alliance has some solid solutions for current problems. 

“We are extremely fortunate in this province, and if things are budgeted properly, we can have adequate healthcare, education and social services. It comes down to allocating properly and budgeting properly,” said Freeland.

Anyone interested in serving on the board can contact the constituency office or email the website, and the new updates on Wildrose Alliance policies can be found through the Party website at www.wildrose.ca.