You may not believe this, but provincial and federal elections bore me to death. Being one in the news industry, this may come to you as a surprise. After all, it’s easy story copy to generate. The politicians line up for free publicity and are more available than other time of the year. For a reporter, you don’t have to hunt down the candidate because you become the hunted. It’s a gravy period of time in a reporter’s life. Perhaps it’s just the outcome is predetermined, especially in Alberta. The PCs will win again. The only question is, by how much. You have to admit, it’s not very exciting stuff. I’m pretty cynical when it comes to the provincial election. One by one, the candidates line up with the bag of treats promising the world. “We’ll cut taxes!” “We’ll put more money into day care!” “We’ll build more schools!” “We’ll build more hospitals!” And, of course, with our money. The taxpayer’s money. I guess I’m so cynical because of the incumbent candidates. If the idea is so darn good during an election campaign, why wasn’t it so good a couple years ago? For example, the PCS are trumpeting the cause to cut health care premiums. If it’s such a good idea, why didn’t they do it years ago? They’ve been in power since the 1970s. All of a sudden, day care is a “priority”. Premier Ed Stelmach wants to put big money into the program. Again, if this is such a good idea, why didn’t it happen years ago? Let it be said the goal of each candidate after being elected is to - well- get elected again. The easiest way to do that is by spending our money. And just don’t you hate all those election signs cluttering our streets and roadsides? Talk about ugly! We can do without them. I always find it odd the election signs can go up so fast during a campaign, then stand there for months afterwards. Especially the winner’s signs. There is no worse eyesore than a Hector Goudreau or Pearl Calahasen sign tattering in the breeze six months after the election is over. C’mon, people, get with it! Take them down! The other day I was telling a person this sordid tale when they quickly reminded me I signed Lesser Slave Lake incumbent MLA Pearl Calahasen’s nomination papers. Now, I like Pearl. She’s a good lady who does her best. But the reason I signed Pearl’s nomination papers is the same reason I’ll sign them for any person, representing any party. If they want to get in the game, I won’t hinder them. Let them at it! So, let the snoozefest begin! Let the people who enjoy the game fall all over themselves during the campaign. For them, it’s like a horse race. Down to the wire, may the best person win. For me, I really couldn’t care less. By dealing with politicians through the media, I can tell you, there really isn’t too much differences in people, regardless of party loyalties. Maybe that’s the reason I can’t get too wrapped up in party lines. In the end, it doesn’t matter. The politicians will spend our money regardless of how we vote.

Copyright © 2002 Smoky River Express. All Rights Reserved.
No part may be reproduced without written permission.

View our Privacy Statement.
Send website suggestions to the Webmaster