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 100th 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.
New Assingments from Our Premier
On the work front, the Premier gave me a few more things to manage. I am now the Government Whip, basically like a Construction Manager or Project Manager, depending on your background. I was also added as the Alberta Lead for the Pacific Northwest Economic Region Foundation and allocated to the National Representative for the Council of State Governments and the Midwest. Basically, it means I’ll be meeting with a bunch of the elected representatives in the USA and their trading partners to ensure that we take Alberta’s story on the road and directly to them. I’m very happy to have this ability, as Alberta and our area has one heck of a good story to tell. I want to make sure we keep our area growing and that folks in the south know how much of a role we have to play in the well-being for both of our countries.
Please check out their websites if you would like to learn more about these two groups.
www.csg.org – Council of State Governments
www.pnwer.org – Pacific NorthWest Economic Region
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 that we have a conservative government in office.
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
If you agree with this article, share your opinions with us. Call me today!
PLEASE NOTE:
If you have any comments to this blog post or others, please write to me at LacSteAnne.Parkland@assembly.ab.ca and I will respond to you personally as soon as possible.
For any further question on the constituency of Lac Ste Anne Parkland feel free to connect with your MLA Shane Getson by calling the phone number : 780.967.0760 (click2call), by email LacSteAnne.Parkland@assembly.ab.ca or by mailing us to:
Constituency Office
#18, 4708 Lac Ste. Anne Trail North
P.O. Box 248 “Onoway PO”
Onoway, AB
Canada T0E 1V0
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MLA Shane Getson (UCP)
Shane Getson was elected as Member of the Legislative Assembly for Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland on April 16, 2019.
Engagement
I currently serve as Deputy Chair on the Standing Committee on the Alberta Heritage Savings Trust Fund and as a Member of the Standing Committees on Resource Stewardship.
Check often my Engagement page to discover my Focus Projects for 2021, among which I want to introduce you to the importance of Utility Corridors. I have the firm belief that the usage of these corridors will contribute immensely to Alberta's future so, for more details please contact me at your convenience.