It’s Christmas Eve and we know Santa is busy getting ready for his big night, delivering presents to all corners of the globe. Well we at the Gazette believe the people of St. Albert have mostly been good all year. With the carbon tax coming in, a lump of coal will carry an extra burden this year, so we hope Mr. Claus will be kind and considerate to our local people. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, so in the spirit of the season we have composed a Christmas wishlist for our region, so that 2017 will be a happy year.
For our local councils and mayors, we hope that you will continue to serve the good people of this region through the end of your term and not delegate all decisions to the next council. Though we expect many will be unofficially campaigning a bit early, please keep the political rhetoric for the election. Find new ways to communicate and co-operate with each other. And so, I’m offering this simple phrase: Work hard for the people in our community and keep taxes low.
To our local MLAs, remember to stand up for your constituency first and don’t be afraid to challenge the party line. Remember the people who you serve and listen to what their priorities are (Do You Hear What I Hear?). For Glenn van Dijken, continue to keep the NDP government in check and challenge them on their out-of-control spending. For Marie Renaud and Trevor Horne, be informed on all issues and raise your voices for our region.
Premier Rachel Notley, we hope this year you will be friendlier to our province’s business community and that you spend taxpayers’ money in wise ways. Let 2017 be the year you stop blaming past governments. Even though approval ratings are low, you better not cry and you better not pout. Find ways to get our resources to our market. Remember those who are unemployed and lessen the burden on Albertans’ wallets. You’d better be good, for goodness sake!
To MP Michael Cooper, continue to support the passage of Wynn’s Law, continue to press the government to update the Criminal Code. These are worthy causes for our country and have particular significance to this region. To Rona Ambrose, continue to hold the Trudeau government accountable on issues like cash for access and be a strong voice in the House of Commons. We need voices who don’t just “repeat the sounding joy.”
Lastly, to our prime minister: deliver those pipelines. Remember you are elected to serve the interests of all Canadians, not just the ones who voted for you. Though Christmas turkey is a favourite of many, stop the gravy train. ’Tis the season to be jolly, but not too jolly. Keep expenses in check and focus on the issues that matter most to Canadians. Keep your promises or be prepared to fall on your knees.
To everyone in our region, we hope 2017 is a happy and healthy year. From the staff at the St. Albert Gazette, have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
