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Stelmach’s efforts underrated: Red Deer educator

Premier Ed Stelmach may be leaving, but not without making some far-sighted decisions that have benefited Alberta, says a Red Deer political scientist.

Premier Ed Stelmach may be leaving, but not without making some far-sighted decisions that have benefited Alberta, says a Red Deer political scientist.

“He’s underrated as a premier,” said Red Deer College political science instructor David Baugh on Wednesday in reaction to Stelmach’s surprise announcement on Tuesday to resign before the next election.

“He’s brought a steady hand to public administration and had quite a few genuine achievements that haven’t been noticed.”

For example, he brought in the Capital Region Board, with compulsory membership for regions, which has reduced the level of conflict and allowed Edmonton-area cities, towns and municipalities to get a lot more done.

“They’re working on cumulative affects assessment for new major developments. That’s cutting edge and forward thinking.”

Stelmach’s term in office also produced long-term capital planning, and looked ahead on issues like water usage, he said.

Scrutiny since Stelmach’s announcement to retire has focused on his stumbles during his time as premier.

Baugh said that’s not the whole picture.

“He has made a lot of far-sighted and steady-Eddy kind of decisions. People point to the flip-flop in royalties, but oil went from $146 a barrel to the $30 range.”

Baugh said politics is getting more competitive in Alberta and Stelmach is “conflict-adverse” and is leaving office on his terms, based on the surprise expressed by Progressive Conservatives on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Finance and Enterprise Minister Ted Morton, who is seen as a Conservative leadership contender, may be getting ready to brawl with Wildrose Alliance Leader Danielle Smith to win the Okotoks-High River riding when election boundaries are redrawn in the area.

Baugh said the upcoming budget is Morton’s opportunity to gain more support from the right.

“He wouldn’t have much of a chance in that showdown if he didn’t have his right-wing credentials to match her right-wing credentials.”

As for Smith, she was the darling of opinion polls right after her leadership win in February 2010.

But media attention from leadership contests always creates a bounce in the polls.

“She hasn’t been at that level again and the Conservatives will get free media from their convention.”

The latest opinion poll by Leger Marketing this month showed support for the Wildrose Alliance dipping, he said.

szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com