April 23 2012: Alberta Provincial Election

[Mean Mr. Mustard]

Originally Posted by Slava

I guess this must be Rick Bells April Fools joke? I didn't see this yesterday.
http://www.calgarysun.com/2012/04/02...oming-up-roses

Calgary Sun comments might be some of the saddest uses of the internet that I have ever seen.

[First Lady]

Originally Posted by Slava

Ugh. Still focused on this? Pretty pathetic that we have a contested election and haven't had any meaningful discussion. First it was the Wildrose bus. Next we got the campaign officially rolling and got to talk about who loves Alberta. Now its a question about whether someone has kids (and whether its insensitive to ask why they don't).

C'mon. Surely there is more to discuss and surely more important topics.

Sorry that I dragged it back up. I felt compelled to set record straight on the employment speculation that was out there.

Anyway onward and upward. The third TV ad from Wildrose has been released

http://www.wildrose.ca/campaign-ads/family-pack-ad/

I'm hearing really great feedback from the public, they like the direction the party has been going.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by First Lady

Sorry that I dragged it back up. I felt compelled to set record straight on the employment speculation that was out there.

Anyway onward and upward. The third TV ad from Wildrose has been released

http://www.wildrose.ca/campaign-ads/family-pack-ad/

I'm hearing really great feedback from the public, they like the direction the party has been going.

When are you releasing the Danielle Dollars?

[First Lady]

Originally Posted by Slava

When are you releasing the Danielle Dollars?

Don't look at me; it's not like I'm on the inside or anything.

There will be a few more announcements during the campaign; but truly, I'm not privy to them.

[Regular_John]

Originally Posted by First Lady

Don't look at me; it's not like I'm on the inside or anything.

There will be a few more announcements during the campaign; but truly, I'm not privy to them.

This seems like a good at time as any to ask, what is your current involvement with the WRA?

I'm legitimately curious about this, just an outside observer/supporter? Campaign volunteer? Paid position?

I'm honestly not trying to stir the pot here, I think you've struck a good balance between wearing your allegiance on your sleeve while not letting it steer the entire conversation in this thread.

Like I said I'm not trying to dig up dirt, but you've posted a few things like "just wait till you see what's in store" and then you say your not an insider. So just trying to to wrap my head around your current level of involvement.

[crazy_eoj]

Originally Posted by Slava

When are you releasing the Danielle Dollars?

I read a Rick Bell article on the weekend saying that they would be releasing something like that. That would be one policy I find absolutely crazy.

Either lower taxes, target spending, or save for the future... but taking in dollars and then mailing them back out is just the definition of waste.

Edit: hadn't clicked the above link. Let's hope it is an april fools joke.

[c.t.ner]

Originally Posted by Slava

When are you releasing the Danielle Dollars?

Here you go...

http://t.co/aT3eBf05

[MarchHare]

“Instead of squandering surplus funds on pet projects and more government waste, the Alberta Energy Dividend will ensure Albertans benefit directly from the wealth our energy sector generates,” said Smith. “Wildrose believes that Albertans can spend their own money better than government. That is precisely why we’ve got a plan to put more money back in their pockets instead of government coffers.”

Indeed! It's much better for me to buy a new iPad and HDTV than for the province to provide more funding for our schools and hospitals!

[CaptainCrunch]

Isn't it Beer and Popcorn Marchhare?

Its pretty clear that Wildrose is seeing a lot of conservative blood in the water as the Conservatives have carried on their terrible last year right into the election.

Right now the polls are showing a possible minority Wildrose government, it will be interesting to see what happens with the sober thought votes on the night of the election.

I was also amazed to hear that the Liberals were advocating strategic voting to help out the conservatives. (this is just a rumor I heard from a friend of a friend)

[crazy_eoj]

Originally Posted by MarchHare

Indeed! It's much better for me to buy a new iPad and HDTV than for the province to provide more funding for our schools and hospitals!

I always find it interesting that while left wingers want more spending on schools and healthcare, when they have more money in their pocket they dont believe in putting their own money there.

I don't support this policy, but clearly the nanny-state mentality comes from a belief that most people are too stupid to care for themselves and the government should do it for them...?

[First Lady]

Originally Posted by jaydorn

This seems like a good at time as any to ask, what is your current involvement with the WRA?

I'm legitimately curious about this, just an outside observer/supporter? Campaign volunteer? Paid position?

I'm honestly not trying to stir the pot here, I think you've struck a good balance between wearing your allegiance on your sleeve while not letting it steer the entire conversation in this thread.

Like I said I'm not trying to dig up dirt, but you've posted a few things like "just wait till you see what's in store" and then you say your not an insider. So just trying to to wrap my head around your current level of involvement.

Very fair question.

I hold a couple of roles - non of them paid.

First, I'm hold the party-elected position of being a Regional Director on the Provincial Executive. I'm responsible for coaching / guiding the constituency associations in North Calgary.

That position gives me some insight into the overall campaign. IE: I know we are going to be focusing on positive, policy platform items. And I get advance notice of the Leaders tour. But I'm not privy to specific details of releases.

Second, I'm CFO to Jeremy Nixon in Calgary - Klein. This is my home constituency.

Third, I'm Official Agent / CFO for all three Wildrose Senate candidates.

In interest of FULL disclosure:

I'm also the treasurer for Highland Park Community Association.
Most recently I also came on board as treasurer with Alberta Bulldog Rescue this is by far the coolest thing I'm involved in.

[Regular_John]

Originally Posted by First Lady

Very fair question.

I hold a couple of roles - non of them paid.

First, I'm hold the party-elected position of being a Regional Director on the Provincial Executive. I'm responsible for coaching / guiding the constituency associations in North Calgary.

That position gives me some insight into the overall campaign. IE: I know we are going to be focusing on positive, policy platform items. And I get advance notice of the Leaders tour. But I'm not privy to specific details of releases.

Second, I'm CFO to Jeremy Nixon in Calgary - Klein. This is my home constituency.

Third, I'm Official Agent / CFO for all three Wildrose Senate candidates.

In interest of FULL disclosure:

I'm also the treasurer for Highland Park Community Association.
Most recently I also came on board as treasurer with Alberta Bulldog Rescue this is by far the coolest thing I'm involved in.

Fair enough, thanks for the response.

[Slava]

Originally Posted by c.t.ner

Here you go...

http://t.co/aT3eBf05

Awesome! I just wanted to make sure it was official before they got second thoughts.

So let me get this straight. Now they not only think the Tories spend too much money, they are going to spend even more! We have tax credits, improvements to healthcare, improvements to education, and now just pure cash to voters. Its an easter miracle indeed!

Please justify how this is even possibly fiscally prudent. The Wildrose demonstrates that they are going to make it impossible to balance the budget. I really hope voters take a strong look before they do something irreversible.

[crazy_eoj]

Originally Posted by Slava

Awesome! I just wanted to make sure it was official before they got second thoughts.

So let me get this straight. Now they not only think the Tories spend too much money, they are going to spend even more! We have tax credits, improvements to healthcare, improvements to education, and now just pure cash to voters. Its an easter miracle indeed!

Please justify how this is even possibly fiscally prudent. The Wildrose demonstrates that they are going to make it impossible to balance the budget. I really hope voters take a strong look before they do something irreversible.

C'mon Slava at least read the policy before you poop all over it. It makes it look like you are an ideological bulldog without any grip of reality...

The Alberta Energy Dividend will:

• Send 20% of all provincial surpluses generated by oil and gas revenues directly to Albertans, providing every Albertan with an estimated $300 in 2015.
• Ensure Alberta remains well-positioned to meet economic challenges by only paying out energy dividends when the provincial budget runs a cash surplus.
• Help Alberta families and seniors meet the rising cost of living during times of economic prosperity and rising inflation.

[MarchHare]

Originally Posted by crazy_eoj

I always find it interesting that while left wingers want more spending on schools and healthcare, when they have more money in their pocket they dont believe in putting their own money there.

I mentioned schools and hospitals because healthcare and education are two of the biggest responsibilities of the provincial government. Personally, I'd rather see 100% any surpluses automatically invested in the Heritage Fund. Giving cheques to individuals to blow on consumer goods like iPads and HDTVs (or beer and popcorn, CC ) is just bad government policy.

[First Lady]

The full press release:

WILDROSE PLEDGE #3: Alberta Energy Dividend

Putting more money back in Albertans’ pockets

April 2, 2012 (Cremona, AB): Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith today unveiled the third item in the Wildrose Pledge, the Alberta Energy Dividend.

The Alberta Energy Dividend will send 20% of budget surpluses generated by oil and gas royalties directly to Albertans, giving all Albertans a direct share in the success of the province’s energy sector.

“Instead of squandering surplus funds on pet projects and more government waste, the Alberta Energy Dividend will ensure Albertans benefit directly from the wealth our energy sector generates,” said Smith. “Wildrose believes that Albertans can spend their own money better than government. That is precisely why we’ve got a plan to put more money back in their pockets instead of government coffers.”

The Alberta Energy Dividend will:

• Send 20% of all provincial surpluses generated by oil and gas revenues directly to Albertans, providing every Albertan with an estimated $300 in 2015.
  
• Ensure Alberta remains well-positioned to meet economic challenges by only paying out energy dividends when the provincial budget runs a cash surplus.
  
• Help Alberta families and seniors meet the rising cost of living during times of economic prosperity and rising inflation.

This new plan is also both affordable and prudent, because it recognizes that government must live within its means, and make balancing the budget a top priority. By ensuring that dividends are only paid out in years when the government posts a surplus, the dividend remains affordable in the long-term.

“These dividends are particularly important for seniors, young families, and those on fixed or limited incomes because they are tax-free. This means that other income, such as pensions, won’t be clawed back by the government because of dividend payment,” Smith said. “It’s a responsible way to make sure all Albertans benefit from our resource wealth while keeping the budget in balance.”

[Rathji]

Originally Posted by crazy_eoj

C'mon Slava at least read the policy before you poop all over it. It makes it look like you are an ideological bulldog without any grip of reality...

The Alberta Energy Dividend will:

• Send 20% of all provincial surpluses generated by oil and gas revenues directly to Albertans, providing every Albertan with an estimated $300 in 2015.
• Ensure Alberta remains well-positioned to meet economic challenges by only paying out energy dividends when the provincial budget runs a cash surplus.
• Help Alberta families and seniors meet the rising cost of living during times of economic prosperity and rising inflation.

So to clarify, 50% of all surpluses will go into the heritage fund, 20% of all surpluses will go directly to Albertans and the rest will go where?

As I recall, and I could be incorrect, the WRP thinks that the budget of the province should not come from surpluses, is that correct? So what would this money be used for?

Originally Posted by MarchHare

I mentioned schools and hospitals because healthcare and education are two of the biggest responsibilities of the provincial government. Personally, I'd rather see 100% any surpluses automatically invested in the Heritage Fund. Giving cheques to individuals to blow on consumer goods like iPads and HDTVs (or beer and popcorn, CC ) is just bad government policy.

I think it could work both ways. If they had a solid plan for that extra 30%, that would put it into programs, infrastructure etc.this might actually be something I could get behind.

Just because I want a new computer though...

[shermanator]

I do not agree with Danielle dollars at all

IMO, when a province that is facing an infrastructure debt as large as Alberta, surpluses should be directed into catching up on that debt.

[c.t.ner]

Originally Posted by crazy_eoj

I always find it interesting that while left wingers want more spending on schools and healthcare, when they have more money in their pocket they dont believe in putting their own money there.

I don't support this policy, but clearly the nanny-state mentality comes from a belief that most people are too stupid to care for themselves and the government should do it for them...?

I love this counter argument. So if the government sends me 300 dollars, because I think it it would be better reinvested in schools or health care, I should write a check back to the government. So my 300 dollar donation to the government is definitely going to make a much as a difference over the potential 1 Billion dollar collective reinvestment (300 x 3,645,257).

I don't think it's a mentality that people are too stupid. I think it's the idea that as a collective that money is better utilized as reinvestment as a whole. It's a collective vs. individual argument. For a majority of people the 300 dollars extra a year is a drop in a bucket. I won't argue that 300 bucks for low income families will really help out for a month or two, but I'd rather see a stronger subsidy for single parents or people on the cusp, rather than getting a small check to help me buy the next iProduct.

[First Lady]

For anyone interested in more reading on the Wildrose pledges thus far, the following are .pdf files of each in greater detail.

Balanced Budget

Family Pack

Alberta Energy Dividend