Wildrose Alliance members say democracy is within Alberta’s grasp.
Urs Lehner, president of the Wildrose Alliance Red Deer North Constituency Association, said dissatisfaction with the Progressive Conservatives was not reflected in the 2008 election because Wildrose Alliance was only a month old.
“There was literally no time to get the word out that there was a true alternative for those who want to vote conservative,” Lehner said on Saturday at the party’s annual general meeting in Red Deer.
But as of 10 days ago, the party is now prepared constituency associations in all 83 provincial ridings and membership has grown to 15,200.
The Red Deer North constituency has 200 members.
“Now when I mention Wildrose there’s a lot of recognition.”
Lehner, who has been a member since January 2008, won’t settle for anything less than a grassroots-driven party.
“I don’t really want just another group of conservatives governing this province. I want to eventually see more scheduled referendums. I want more direct democracy where power comes from the bottom — truly.”
Gord Tulk, 47, of Innisfail, said he joined the Wildrose Alliance last summer when he found out Danielle Smith was running for leader.
“I knew she was the right person to take this province forward. That’s what got me involved,” Tulk said.
He said the party has the right conservative ideas — small government, low taxes, and a tough-on-crime agenda with honest debate when members come together.
“It’s not rhetoric back and forth. It’s let’s-do-the-right-thing in a frank forum.”
Jennifer Heather, 32, of Red Deer, joined in April 2008 and she’s sticking with the party “for the long haul.”
She calls Smith an inspiration and “the whole package.”
“I just think it’s time for a change. I think she will be the next premier.”
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com