Now that we're into another federal election campaign, I'd like to suggest people in St. Albert try something different this time. Rather than voting Conservative again, vote for the Green Party.
Now hear me out! I know most people here think of themselves as Conservative, but is giving them your vote the best you can do with it? How much attention does the Conservative government pay to such a safe, taken-for-granted riding? And while I'm sure Brent Rathgeber is a talented and hard-working fellow, his influence has to be limited in such a highly centralized government.
Why Greens? It turns out they're actually a pretty good fit with mainstream Albertan values, especially for the Progressive Conservative leaning bunch (heck, Elizabeth May used to work with Brian Mulroney). People know they tend to be socially progressive (e.g. health care, justice, environmental) but are often surprised they are quite fiscally conservative and business-friendly.
And contrary to the single-issue image, they have a comprehensive, fully-costed platform covering the full range of issues. Don Drummond, former chief economist for TD bank, gave it a solid B-plus (everyone else got an F for not having the courage to lay out their plans in detail).
I doubt it would happen, but imagine if St. Albert did elect a Green member of Parliament. It would do as much good for the city's reputation (and Cultivate Life branding) as Mayor Naheed Nenshi's election in Calgary did there. That would be a welcome change from the type of national attention St. Albert and Alberta generally tend to receive.
Plus, it would certainly get us more attention and much more of a voice nationally. Worst case is the Greens make a strong showing but don't win and maybe the Conservatives won't take St. Albert for granted as much.
For what it’s worth, I'm not some Green Party flak, just someone who liked their policies, became a member and tossed them a few extra bucks. I don't know Peter Johnston (the local candidate), May or any of the party insiders.
Voting is one of the few chances we get to speak our mind so all I ask is that you spend some time and think about what you'd really gain by re-electing a Conservative in St. Albert. Don't make your decision based only on shallow, manipulative attack ads. Go read the platforms on each of the party's websites so you know what you're voting for.
Mark Roseman, St. Albert
