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Redford will be one to watch

One word to describe Alison Redford would be passionate. The Progressive Conservative Calgary-Elbow MLA stopped in Okotoks on Friday for an exclusive interview with the Western Wheel editorial staff.

One word to describe Alison Redford would be passionate.

The Progressive Conservative Calgary-Elbow MLA stopped in Okotoks on Friday for an exclusive interview with the Western Wheel editorial staff.

To be honest, I knew little of the former minister of justice who has only been in office for three years and I was unsure what to expect.

However, it did not take long for Redford to convince me she is a legitimate contender for the PC leadership and could well be Alberta’s next premier.

Actually, what initially peaked my attention was an online poll on the Wheel website asking readers to predict the next Tory leader. In a surprising result Redford led the poll with 35 per cent of the votes finishing just ahead of Foothills-Rocky View MLA Ted Morton who had 24 per cent.

During her 60-minute sit down with the Wheel staff she outlined some of her plans should she win the leadership. The leadership election will likely be held in September.

I was impressed as Redford admitted the PC party indeed requires some attention. She said the current government has become “sloppy” and she became troubled by some policy decisions including the royalty regime and the deficit budgets.

In addition, she said it is imperative the provincial government restore some of the decision making authority back to local governments because “communities matter and communities know what they need.”

Redford said she wants running mates who share her passion and enthusiasm for Alberta and are not afraid of change.

It was a refreshing perspective and one that will certainly catch on.

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