Ron Casey was acclaimed last week as the PC candidate for the Banff-Cochrane riding for the next provincial election.
Casey had previously told the Eagle he was hopeful this would be the case, as ‘one term is just not enough time’.
The four-term Canmore mayor said it’s an ‘exciting time’ to be a part of provincial politics, with ‘a premier who has already demonstrated he’s willing to change and willing to listen’.
Premier Prentice has been under fire as of late, with many criticizing him for ‘blaming Albertans’ for the shortfall, detracting from what many declare is a result of massive government mismanagement of revenues.
“The telling part is how little we pay in taxes compared to other provinces,” said Casey, clarifying that a slight increase in taxes would still keep Alberta far behind the pack.
“We have a legacy of keeping taxes down, but at some point we have to start to pay for the services we enjoy,” he explained, adding that striking a balance is key to Alberta’s continued prosperity — while not neglecting such critical priorities as schools, health care and seniors issues.
This balance would be achieved through increasing revenues while decreasing costs — especially as the province moves toward becoming less dependant on non-renewable resource revenues.
A summary of his priorities, should the PCs remain victorious following the next election (rumoured to be as early as this spring) includes focusing on short-term, as well as long-term infrastructure solutions in Cochrane — including the dreaded intersection at Hwy 1A and 22.
With Cochrane’s dramatic population increase over the last few years, Casey maintains it’s key to approach infrastructure demands (roads) with a ‘long-term vision’; he would continue to work on this with Cochrane town council and Alberta Transportation. Seeing the completion of flood mitigation projects in Bragg Creek and Redwood Meadows is high on Casey’s list of priorities, as is devising long-term solutions required to remediate the pressure in the Ghost/Waiparous areas from heavy recreational pressures; Casey is the chair of the Alberta Recreational Trails Partnership.
Casey said that ‘exciting announcements on seniors housing’ are to come later this week, with direct impacts on the Cochrane area.
Visit casey.mypcmla.ca to learn more.
The Wildrose candidate for MLA for the Banff-Cochrane riding is retired businessman Scott Wagner, who resides south of Hwy 1, along Hwy 22.
Since his Jan. 23 confirmation, Wagner has been knocking on doors and fielding concerns from his constituents.
The chief mounting concern he has observed? Affordability.
“I think the common theme is affordability — people are struggling, they’re struggling to pay their mortgages, especially in Canmore…they are living month to month and simply cannot afford a tax increase of any kind.”
The Wildrose Party has condemned the PC government for poor fiscal responsibility, calling on fellow Albertans to do the same.
“Right now, our premier is creating panic. I’ve been in business for a long time and the last thing you want to do is create panic.”
Wagner said this dismal outlook and negativity is the last thing the province needs right now — especially considering that $50/barrel of oil was dubbed as a good price only a few years ago (now anything below $70/barrel is viewed as low).
He was quick to criticize the recent layoff of 23 nurses at the Peter Lougheed Centre, when Alberta Health Services executives continue to pad their pocketbooks.
Traffic and infrastructure issues remain prevalent concerns in Cochrane; the controversial SR1 dam in Springbank versus the McLean Creek option remains a concern, as does striking a balance between recreators and the preservation/reconstruction of pristine environmental areas in areas such as McLean/Ghost/Waiparous.
Wagner is encouraging Wildrose supporters to visit the Facebook forum ‘Wildrose Coffeeroom’ where current issues and information will be presented; forum members will be circulating frequent news releases, including a recent publication on leadership.
Wagner said they are anticipating the announcement for an early election in early April; visit wagner4mla.com to learn more.
