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Central Alberta a popular spot for politicians from all stripes

Stettler has certainly been front and centre for our local representatives in the provincial and federal government this month.

FROESE’N TIME

Stettler has certainly been front and centre for our local representatives in the provincial and federal government this month.

Both the Town of Stettler and County of Stettler councils finally got to discuss local issues and concerns with new Drumheller-Stettler MLA Rick Strankman, who was elected last April and represents the Wildrose as part of the Official Opposition.

One week later, former Byemoor School teacher Doug Griffiths, the minister of municipal affairs minister and Battle River-Wainwright MLA, chatted with both Stettler councils along with Infrastructure Minister Wayne Drysdale, as the Progressive Conservative cabinet ministers toured various regions of the province — particularly in areas with an Opposition MLA.

And just last week, Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson discussed issues with residents and municipal leaders during a town-hall roundtable session.

Likely never before in this area’s history have provincial government representatives from both the government party and the Opposition party visited the community — yet in the same month.

However, this is also the first time history that Alberta has a strong opposition.

While some local people questioned how effective an MLA in Opposition can really be, residents and local councils are now assured that their concerns are being heard from both sides.

Health care and enhancing services at the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre ranks as the top priority for local councils and the MLA Strankman and also expressed to the visiting cabinet ministers.

This should definitely help boost the local hospital, which serves as a regional hospital for communities from the Stettler region and eastward to the Saskatchewan border.

However, as the provincial government tightens its belt in the upcoming budget, who knows how much funding will come this way.

While health care is the top issue, the town and county of Stettler also hope to receive provincial funding for local projects such as upgrades to the Stettler Recreation Centre, a new seniors’ social centre and various infrastructure works.

MLA Strankman is also very well aware that small schools in Donalda, Byemoor and Brownfield have been threatened to close as Clearview School Division considers the future of sustainable schools.

Strankman told the Independent that the upcoming provincial budget might also play a role in the school division’s decision about the demise of these schools.

While federal funding grants don’t seem to be flowing to Stettler as much as from the provincial pot, MP Sorenson continues to hear local priorities and concerns.

Richard Froese is a municipal reporter with the Stettler Independent. His email address is reporter@stettlerindependent.com