Weekly Column – What Matters To You!

This Fall

The fall weather has been cooperating in our area – fairly warm, not too windy, and touch wood, no white stuff on the ground yet. The leaves are lingering as well, which makes for some amazing photographs around the area that I’ve been seeing posted up on social media.  With that, I’d like to put out a call to those who would be interested in sharing with me some of those photos of our area, so that we can put them up on our web site, and shamelessly promote Lac Ste. Anne – Parkland.  I’d like to hear about your harvest stories, your upcoming hunting stories, or any fond fall memories.

My New Mayerthorpe Satellite Office

This past week I was able to christen my newly opened Mayerthorpe satellite office by meeting with several local farmers who shared some great ideas on how to improve the pasture crop insurance program.  It’s all too easy just to say it’s bad, and that someone needs to fix it – it’s much more difficult, and rewarding, to work as a team and come up with real proposals on how to fix it.  I’ve noted down all the ideas and input I received and will be able to apply some of my previous job experience to formulate a method and model for the proposed changes to compare how the two-day rain events in August would have been mitigated with a new model if the rain periods were not monthly, if soil moisture is considered, and taking into account lengthy sustained temperatures combined with wind.  Again, hats off to the local folks who rolled up their shirt sleeves so we could work on this together.

Incoming Municipal Elections

Municipal elections are in full swing, and like many people I’ve had a chance to get out and vote for a county mayor, a counselor, a school board trustee, and to say whether or not I wanted to mess around with time changes any longer; and of course, I was able to express my concern about Alberta’s equalization payments.

I also must confess this was my first municipal election that I participated in. I think this year will be a similar experience for many Albertans. Being involved with many of the elected members of municipal local governments over the last couple of years gave me an appreciation for the strong role they play in our daily lives, and the part they play in planning for the growth of Lac Ste. Anne – Parkland.

When it comes to equalization payments, well, I’m not too sure that there is much in the way of equality in how our current system operates.  Some have asked what this referendum accomplish – the answer is not much if considered by itself. Following the vote, there will be a lot more work to do to ensure the will of Albertans becomes reality. The equalization vote will show how much more attention this subject needs to be discussed at the federal level. It will give a strong mandate to both provincial and Federal representatives who want to advocate for a fairer deal for Alberta

Social Media Break

I’m also hoping that folks can take the time to step away from social media for a few days.  Last week my hope was realized as Facebook had server issues. Serendipitously, many stepped away from their screens, talked to each other over the phone, or in person.  It was an interesting trend that I believe could be very helpful to the community.  I was told one time that social media was like candy: a little is a sweat treat, but too much – well it just rots your teeth.  I can see the wisdom in that now.

I look forward to the upcoming week, engaging with as many folks as I can so that when I am back in the Legislature again on October 25^th, that I can truly articulate to the speaker and the other MLA’s what matters to you.