Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville Wildrose candidate Shannon Stubbs discusses election issues while stopping in Tofield

Wildrose Alliance candidate for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville Shannon Stubbs has been knocking on Tofield and area doors for well over a year now. She became the WR nominee for the riding at a time when Ed Stelmach was still the premier of the province and local MLA. Stubbs had expected to be running against this formidable incumbent at that time.

But politics can change in an instant and Stelmach unexpectedly announced his imminent departure as premier. He would also not be running again for the PCs in the next election.

For Stubbs, the political adversary has changed but she is keeping her eye on the election prize, coming frequently to Tofield to knock on doors and find out what the issues are for local voters.

Wildrose leader Danielle Smith came to Tofield in January to hold a meet and greet in the arena meeting room where up to 50 people attended to hear her speak.

Stubbs officially kicked off her campaign by planting her first election sign in Tofield.

The PC candidate for the riding, Jacquie Fenske, held a meet and greet of her own March 24 at the Tofield Community Hall with then Minister of Municipal Affairs Doug Griffiths, MLA for Battle River-Wainwright. Griffiths is campaigning in Beaver County, in places like Ryley, Holden and Bruce, as these communities are now part of the new boundaries for his riding.

Stubbs and Smith held a rally on a farm near Lamont March 28 with about 100 supporters, calling Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville one of the most important constituencies in Alberta.

Stubbs came to Tofield on April 5 to meet with seniors at the Golden Age Club in the morning and the Tofield Lodge in the afternoon. She encountered pool players at the club, who gave her a tour of the building.

By Patricia Harcourt, Editor

For more see the April 17/12 issue of the Tofield Mercury