by Dominique Vrolyk
On Friday, April 10, the Leduc Regional Chamber of Commerce team welcomed more than 150 guests at its monthly luncheon, hosted this month at Red Tail Landing.
Jennifer Garries, Chamber executive director, delivered dynamic words of welcome, reminding the guests that the theme of this luncheon was to be a mini-forum, with three Leduc-Beaumont candidates in the early days of their campaign towards the Provincial Election of May 5th.
The Luncheon was sponsored by Fortis Alberta. VP of Customer Service, Mike Pashak delivered a short speech, highlighting Fortis’ safety culture. He also shared that this Chamber Luncheon sponsorship is part of the Fortis mentality of supporting the more than 200 Alberta communities served by Fortis, a company that with its 1,000 employees and 400 contractors has richly deserved several provincial and national ‘Best Employer’ awards.
Three provincial candidates sat at the podium, ready to deliver their opening comments while Ken Kobly, president and CEO of the Alberta Chambers of Commerce (ACC) and a Beaumont resident, officiated as the skilled Forum mediator.
George Rogers, three-term Leduc-Beaumont MLA, is now once again seeking re-election, representing the PC Party and proud of his community works and his track record of new regional schools, infrastructure and local grants to worthwhile organizations.
Sharon Smith, a spirited Wildrose candidate and family services consultant, is a Leduc County resident, a wife and mother who is articulate about the need for better health care, seniors’ care and education and the need to contain taxes imposed on Albertans.
NDP candidate Shaye Anderson of Beaumont is a technician and father who passionately believes in change. As a political rookie, he did well in his first forum participation.
Tracy Hartfelder, in her customary dynamic style, brought forward the nine questions offered by guests. Questions on Annexation, 65th Avenue interchange, royalties in particular were confidently addressed by all three candidates who had one minute to offer their answer. We encourage our readers to visit each candidate’s website to become more familiar with his or her campaign platforms.
This was a great opportunity for these candidates to express their platforms to a large group of business people. The Leduc Regional Chamber is happy to plan the All Candidates Forum of April 30th, to take place at 7pm at the Maclab Centre for the Performing Arts in the City of Leduc. Questions not answered at the Luncheon due to time limitations will be brought forward at the public Forum.