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Wednesday, 13 February 2008 |
When they are not about character and charisma, elections are often about issues. We believe the following issues are of particular importance for Heart of Alberta residents and should be addressed by the candidates. We hope to bring you updates as the campaign progresses and the candidates flesh out their views and proposals.
- Hospital upgrades at the Stettler Hospital Complex. High on the wishlist for local municipal governments.
- Ambulance funding. The a report on the Palliser/Peace pilot
projects is apparently pending and once delivered, presumably after the
election, decisions will have to be made.
- Regional water services. A number of regional water projects in the riding are at various stages of progress. This, along with ontroversy over oilpatch use of water will ensure that the subject stays top of mind for Heart of Alberta voters.
- Biofuels and the Greenlab proposal in particular. With major implications for the area in terms of infrastructure needs and with the growing concern over clubroot, how will the candidates take a stand on this issue?
- Land Policy – is there any reason why the several annexation
issues presently pending between local municipalties are not indicative of larger problems as the Heart of Alberta
develops. Development at Buffalo Lake continues at a rapid pace. What will the provincial position be?
- Crime. With municipalities stressed financially trying to cope with the increased policing costs associated with growth, do the candidates see looming problems with the proposed federal crime bill? Officers already spend too many hours in court as opposed to patrolling and policing and the federal bill's proposals will likely worsen this problem.
Some other issues sure to be discussed...
- Bill C-46. With Joe Anglin running in nearby Lacombe-Ponoka, the topic is sure to come up.
- Stelmach's new royalty scheme. Res ipsa loquitor.
A few issues we wish would come up.
Funding for culture and the arts. After a comprehensive cultural policy review, we hope some more concrete commitments can be made towards funding arts and culture in Alberta than the measly $12 million in new funding announced by the Premier.
Sin tax policy. We question the wisdom of the continued dipping in the well of morality-based taxes. With a boom-town mentality in full swing across the province and the government coffers in no need of bolstering, why continue squeezing more blood from those who invariably are least able to give it, all under the guise of paternalistic concerns?
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General Discussion : Break Open Your Head (0) by Gundar Veebor - July 23, 2008, 07:53:08 AM
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