Fildebrandt on the job

Sharon McLeay
Times Contributor

 

Strathmore-Brooks MLA Derek Fildebrandt sat down for a face-to-face chat with Wheatland County councillors, at the July 7 council meeting, for his first official visit. Fildebrand’s efforts are already gaining momentum.
“There has been quite a bit to take in as I am new to this,” Fildebrandt said. “Although I am not from here, I am humbled by the support and help people have given me. I have been given this chance and I won’t take it for granted.”
Fildebrandt informed council about his open door policy and looked forward to meeting with council last week. He also plans to have town hall meetings in the local communities, to listen to his constituent’s ideas, concerns, and the issues they face. He has been actively looking to relocate to the Strathmore area, and hopes to find a suitable acreage. He believes people need direct access in their government representation and he has set up offices in Brooks and Strathmore. Fildebrandt said that he has some good contacts within the NDP government and is committed to working with them, keeping the best interests of his constituents in mind. He said he is working with the health minister on the Strathmore Hospital issues.
“It is about working constructively together, these are not partisan issues,” said Fildebrandt.
However, he said there are times when MLA’s must make a stand. When discussing the Calgary Municipal Plan, he said the Wildrose Party is supportive of local autonomy. He said there is a trend to larger centres annexing more of the rural land and services.
“The Wildrose Party is the greatest defender of local acceptance and autonomy,” said Fildebrandt. “I want to champion local issues and make sure people can come to me with their concerns.”
He did suggest the county form strong rural partnerships as a tool council could cultivate.
He added big cities seem to have no problem getting attention on issues, but he committed to represent rural interests. He said it is too early to determine what stance the NDP will take on some issues, but had concerns on the NDP focus.
“We are operating on the 2014 budget and they just allocated $18 billion from the interim supply to conduct business until a budget is passed,” said Fildebrandt. “It is disturbing to me. It is impossible to see how they are spending money.”
He said they may be able to pass a budget by October 2015.
Fildebrandt has been appointed the shadow Minister of Finance and the committee is currently working on audits of the former PC government finances.
His LinkedIn page contains an impressive list of credentials, and he is listed on the Wildrose Alliance party site, has a Facebook page and utilizes a Twitter account. He can be contacted through e-mail at fildebrantcampaign@gmail.com.
For a video of his first two weeks in the Legislature, see his website (www.fildebrandt.ca).