Danielle referenced at her opening the Rotary Four Way Test and how their party (and all parties) should create policy based on this approach. If done so, all citizens would benefit.

Danielle noted that her "new party" was really formed as a fiscal conservative party. As the existing Progressive Conservative party continued to move to the left of the political spectrum and has little regard for fiscal management and balanced budgets, the Wildrose Alliance was created.

Since its inception, they have attracted many new members, including prominent past PC members, as well as folks who have never been a "card carrying" party member, but are concerned about the leadership and direction of our province presently.

The Wildrose Alliance, she noted, was a party that was founded on, and will grow based on, doing politics differently. Their goal is to view politics as a dialogue, not a monologue. Through nominating candidates in all 82 Alberta ridings, they are getting ready for the upcoming 2012 provincial election.

She focused her remarks on who the Wildrose was and what they stood for. Their platform was conservative fiscal management of the province. Their goal is to get the government "out of business" and let businesses do business and government govern. As the PCs continue to get deeper and deeper into managing all our lives and "running business" instead of governing, we get deeper into trouble.

She noted they stand for democracy where voters elect officials to make decisions, not letting bureaucrats make decisions. She noted how a non-elected chief of staff for the present government (not elected officials) makes decisions that affect us all.

She discussed how grassroots governance was best and that centralized government that loses touch with the constituents cannot lead well. They profess to represent an approach where government is best lead by those closest to the people at the grassroots level, not the ivory tower legislature.

Another approach that separates the Wildrose Alliance is the opportunity for free vote. As Danielle noted, the MLAs in the Wildrose work for their constituents, not for the leader of the party. Thus the party looks to see more free votes where MLAs can bring forward concerns of their constituents rather than be muzzled by the party leader.

Ms Smith declared that the Wildrose party is all about personal freedom and democracy. She noted how middle managers are creating major budget issues. Today's government has, on average, one manger for each non-manager role. One person manages three. WestJet, on the other side (profitable and well run), has one manger for 25 people. Which model should the government of Alberta choose? She and her party suggest the latter.

She went on to speak about the health issues and property rights issues and how the Wildrose Alliance would address these major debacles in our present world.

It was a great presentation and understanding of the Wildrose Alliance platforms and comparisons to our existing governing party. Chris Davis presented Danielle with our world famous Boltman and thanked her for joining us and presenting to us.

reported by Brent Barootes