It was evidence this year’s provincial election in Barrhead-Morinville-Westlock means something more than it has in 30 years.
Having close to 500 people flood the Seniors Drop In Centre last Wednesday, when not even 100 were in attendance during the 2008 election, indicates people in Barrhead and area understand how important it is to make the right choice in selecting their next member of the legislative assembly.
It’s been beaten to death by now, but with Ken Kowalski having retired, the race in the riding is as wide open as it’s ever been. That’s why the large turnout bodes well for the future.
It’s important for people to take it upon themselves to get out there and learn about the people who want to become our next MLA. Without becoming informed, how can one hope to make the right choice?
Now, obviously, when it comes down to it, the right choice is a completely personal concept.
For people who feel the environment is the most important issue in this election campaign, the EverGreen Party is perhaps the right choice.
For those whose personal political leanings are closer to the centre of the political spectrum, perhaps the Liberal Party is that right choice.
The same goes for people who believe the Progressive Conservatives, Wildrose Alliance and New Democratic Party are the ones who best can lead our province.
In short, there is no one right choice. There is only the personal right choice.
And that’s where seeing so many people out to hear the candidates speak is good in so many ways.
They all recognize that to make the right choice for them, they need to hear from the candidates themselves. Yes, reading party and candidate pamphlets and following the election in the media is all good and informative.
But there is nothing like going out there and speaking to the candidates one on one, or hearing them speak live.
You can’t get a feel for how the candidate will perform if he or she is elected as MLA from reading what they have to say, or from reading what others have said about them.
You can only get that feel from seeing the candidates live and interacting with them.
So, kudos to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to get out there and get informed.
And to anyone from the Barrhead area who headed out to Legal for their forum on April 10, again, thank you for make the choice to hear from the candidates first hand.
And finally, if you haven’t yet had the opportunity to attend a forum, find time to travel to Westlock on April 18 to participate the forum there.
There’s no such thing as having too much information. Take advantage of every opportunity you get.
