The Wetaskiwin Pipestone Flyer contacted all candidates running for the Drayton-Devon constituency, asking them the same questions. Their responses will be published as soon as they are received.
Les Marks, Alberta Independence Party
1) Please tell the readers a bit about your background, including family such as spouse and children and occupation.
I was raised in southern Alberta on a farm and raced thoroughbred horse for a time. I am married to Sonda Marks who is a barrel horse trainer. I have two sons that are both bull riders, Kale and Shay. We farm and ranch by Sunnybrook, Alberta.
2) What do you feel is the key issue in this provincial election?
A key issue in this election is what has happened to the oilfield in Alberta . The loss of jobs, Justin Trudeau saying he is going to phase out Fort McMurray. Well I say let’s phase out Justin Trudeau. This election is the most important election of your life. With your vote for Alberta independence you can be rid of Trudeau and secure a real future for your families. No more equalization payments, no more carbon tax and no GST, your future lies ahead, don’t be afraid to vote for your independence.
3) Why did you want to run in this election?
I decided to run in this election because I was so tired of how our government was running things that I had to get out of my comfort zone and do something about it. So here I am trying to make a difference and give our children and grandchildren a future.
4) How well do you think Alberta’s economy has been handled over the past four years?
The economy has not been handled that well. Premier Notley was all for phasing out Fort McMurray and the Alberta oilfield until when trying to run the province she finally realized that the oilfield was where she got her money from. She was put in a bad position with falling oil prices but you can not keep spending money you don’t have.
5) If elected as MLA, what is your first goal?
If elected and we have a majority government we will have a referendum to see if Alberta wants to stay in Canada. If we have 50 per cent plus 1 vote we will separate from Canada.
It will be a four year process. It will not be easy but this is what needs to happen. Ottawa takes forty billion dollars from Alberta every year and this needs to stop. If you vote the UCP in you are voting for Alberta to give Ottawa $160 billion in the next four years and a portion of whatever debt that Justin Trudeau will incure in that time. By watching past performance that number could be astronomical. Do the right thing for you and your families, I know change is hard but it is time.