You Asked, I Answer
I would like to directly address a question that has inundated my office, phone, email, and social media over the past week or so.
Many have asked why I did not sign an open letter stating that I did not support the government’s most recent decision to increase health restrictions. To best answer this, people need to understand my background and the experience that I have brought to my role as an elected representative.
My Background Shaped Me
I grew up on a small mixed farm just west of Chip lake where my Grandpa settled after coming out west well before the war. I have spent my life as a Civil Engineering Technologist who has made a living managing major projects in Canada and the US, with the majority of those projects being pipelines over the past decade. In this profession there are certain standards of conduct and certain ways of managing complex and ever-changing situations and problems. It was in that world that I developed the skills of risk analysis, project controls, and project management. These are skills I have brought into my role as the elected representative of Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland.
When I worked on these major projects, decisions were made with what is standard for major corporations, with the boardroom being the main venue for discussion, debate, and disagreement. Whoever was responsible for making the final decision oud listen to the thoughts, concerns, and opinions of all those in the room and would then have to make the tough decisions based on the information they had available. Sometimes, you have to go into the boardroom guns a blazing and pound your fist on the table, more often, a strong voice is all that is required. Most often when your concerns were shared it was your turn to listen and maybe take your licks form others who had a contrary opinion, and were equally spirited about their position. Ultimately, it was about making sure the best decision could be made with the information that was available, and that people were not afraid to openly and as noted sometimes heatedly express them. Once the decision was made, you knew that you had been heard and that your concerns had been considered. Many times, I was the one who made the final decision, and it was my team members that were advising me of their concerns. Other times, I was the one presenting contrary opinions to my peers at a difr3rnt table at a higher level within the organization. On all occasions, it was with the best interest of the company, that the opinions were being brought forward, and ultimately, that is how the decisions were made. In the best interest of the company that we worked for, the people who worked for the company, and the organization that we were proud to represent.
This Is My Job as Your Elected Representative
The Westminster Parliamentary system functions very similarly to this but in addition to taking my own thoughts into the proverbial boardroom, I am also compelled to take the thoughts and concerns of the constituents of Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland forward, and to make the argument to do what is right for them as a whole.
In this context and based on my past experiences, I have brought this approach to my new role as an MLA. I listen to my constituents via phone calls, emails, social media, town halls, and even surveys so that I can take your concerns to the boardroom and present them to my colleagues, the Cabinet Ministers, and the Premier. This is my job as your elected representative and this is the expectation of me not only by you as my constituents but by the parliamentary system and the government. I will continue to do this to the best of my abilities.
I Continue to Work for You
I will continue to take your concerns to the boardroom with my colleagues, Cabinet Ministers, and the Premier to ensure that you are represented in the decision-making process.
Now, this is important because I have approached the open letter in the same way. I was offered the opportunity to sign the letter but the letter did not fully represent my experience in my role nor the feedback of all my constituents that I have heard from throughout my time as your elected representative. My job is to take your concerns to the boardroom and ensure that they are heard and the concerns of all my constituents were not properly represented in the letter. It is as simple as that.
I will continue to take your concerns to the boardroom and voice them. I might even pound my fist on the table. I will make sure that any decisions are made with all the information I can bring from the constituents of Lac Ste. Anne-Parkland. This is expected and received by my colleagues, the cabinet ministers, and the Premier and this is the approach I will continue to take.
I know some may disagree with the approach I take; however, this is the style of management I brought forward when I campaigned based on my resume and prior life experiences. You got what you paid for, I have never conveyed being anything different than what I am. I believe this approach remains effective, and the best approach to represent my constituents as comprehensively as possible. It ensures that we keep the communication channels open, to best influence the decisions that need to be made, with full consideration of the impacts to the members of the constituency.
Sincerely,
MLA Shane Getson
Lac Ste Anne Parkland, Alberta
I would like to hear from you!
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
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.