Well, from some articles concerning the welfare of the Wildrose party, it sounds like we’ve just vanished.
Yes, we lost some MLAs last year but we’re far from gone. With over 23,000 members on the books, losing these MLAs was not as much of an impact as our opposition would like everyone to believe.
Every political party has factions, and we have seen those that would rather not respect a grassroots democracy movement, go to where top-down rule has persevered for over four decades.
At this time, Wildrose party membership continues to grow. Our donations have started to rise, and our membership is reinvigorated. Even more so after what so many saw as a betrayal of democracy.
I urge everyone to vote their conscience. Make an effort to learn about the different parties, their platforms, their candidates. Consider what truly matters to you, and how you would like to see our society move forward.
I for one desire to see a few key changes. First, we deserve true democracy with free votes for MLAs. Second, a greater level of, if not complete transparency of all government spending. Third, an abolition to political donations from non-voters.
These few changes would have a huge impact in how our government functions. Accountability would be far greater when access to information is readily available, as opposed to what we have now. MLAs would have the ability to truly represent their constituencies, not just parrot the government line. Lobby groups, corporations and unions would have less influence not being able to essentially ‘buy’ politicians through donations.
Why has the PC government remained so entrenched for so long? Money? Power? Corruption? All of the above? Where is the vision? Why are they still here?
I say it’s time to clean house and fix the foundation.
Norman Wiebe
Red Deer