What Matters to You – Back In The Saddle Again

I want to thank you for taking the time to read this little article. Truth be told, it’s because of you that I am back in the saddle again as the MLA of Lac Ste Anne – Parkland and we have a conservative government in office.  This little paper gives me a chance for us to connect as the reader and the writer on personal terms.  Unfiltered, a little rough around the edges sometimes, but with honesty, mutual respect, and trust.  I was taken aback by how many folks I’ve run into over the last year, and especially during the campaign, that told me they got to know who I was as a person through this article, not what the mainstream outlets may have said.  Further to that, because they knew me, they were far less concerned about what the onslaught of ads was saying about the leader of our party.

Amazing Constituency

I was also very impressed to know that the readership of this paper wasn’t restricted to the “Grey Hairs” (of which I am a member of, and the way has earned every grey hair). It also included believe it or not, teenagers.  I was surprised when a mom approached me on the sidewalk as her son wanted to meet me after my speech at Onoway’s 100^th Anniversary: the young man of 13 years old reads the articles all the time and wants to shake my hand.  That speaks volumes of what kind of a constituency we have and the great youngsters growing into amazing young men and women, who will make some fantastic parents.  It gave me hope.  It also reaffirmed how vital the local media and traditional mediums are.  No censorship or filtering here, just you and I, batting things back and forth, like they should be.

A new beginning

Being sworn back in the second time was no less special than the first. It meant more to me in several ways because it meant that I kept my word to you and that you trusted me to be your voice.  You trusted me to represent your best interests, understanding that sometimes that also meant having me let you know that I disagreed with you on what you may have asked for but that there may be another way to get you what you need. It meant that my style was also well suited to make things happen in the Legislature on behalf of the folks in our area and often for many Albertans.  Your voice matters, and what matters to you ultimately can help others because it’s often impacting others the same way. However, they may not speak up; if I don’t know about it, I can’t help fix it.  Let’s keep the dialogue going.

Immediat Future Plans

We will have some town halls in the next couple of weeks to discuss the wildfires and some of the not-so-wild fires that could have or should have been prevented.  I want to have a constructive meeting and park the emotions outside so we can get the good, the bad, and the ugly on the table and make real changes. A post-incident lessons learned.  You have my commitment that the folks we bring to the table are of the same mindset, and we will fix what didn’t work.  I ask that folks understand that we may not have all the answers as we are still working through a number of details, but we will get back to you in a timely manner.

Our Seniors

Before the election, I had met with a number of seniors in our various lodges, homes, and even at the coffee shops. A number of items were brought up that were not directly in my wheelhouse, but I met with the folks that it was.  It will take some coordinating, but we can make some real hands-on changes to ensure we address the items you brought to my attention.  One will be a “Silver Trail” that allows for better access to the amenities and services in the town.  Another will be to spool up a program that takes on the successes of a course that has been running for years out in Wildwood and replicating in several other schools.  The course will include grade 6 class students and seniors together working on projects.  Think of it as a bridge between the generations and hands-on learning, only someone who has been there and done that can simplify.  Unfortunately, not every kid has a grandparent that is close at hand, and it goes the same for our seniors not having grandkids close.  I’d like to see the “Silver Trail” maintenance, improvements, and even some of the nice spots along the way, including students’ assistance.  As we work out the details with the school board, principals, teachers, students, town officials, and seniors, I’m excited about the program.  Stay tuned: more details will follow.

Honoured to Represent YOU Again

It has been quite the race getting back in the saddle again, and I am honored to work for you, to be your voice not only in the legislature, but abroad.  Thanks again for taking the time to read this, and to keep me in the know when it comes down to what matters to you, because it really comes down to what is important for all of us. 

Let’s keep moving forward together.

Sincerely,

Shane Getson