As the March 3 election draws near, people should be asking all the candidates hard questions about how they will improve their lives. Sure, the candidates make the usual rounds – the talk shows, photo ops and the like – and talk about what they think their priorities are, or should be, for the riding. But do they actually take the time to listen to the concerns of the ordinary person? An all-candidates forum will be held in Slave Lake on Feb. 27, and this will be a good opportunity for residents to put the candidates’ feet to the fire. Other communities would do well to hold their own forums, if they can arrange them with the candidates. But here are some “hard” questions I would ask the candidates: 1) What will they do to increase the number of doctors, nurses and other health care workers in the riding? 2) Oil production and the environment – can economic prosperity work hand in hand with animal habitats and sensitive eco-systems? 3) What strategies would they devise and pursue to attract more economic development and tourism? 4) Day care – how would they deal with the high demand and shortage of day care space in many communities? 5) Many roads in the region are in need of repair or expansion. How would the candidates address this issue? 6) Getting tough on crime. Premier Ed Stelmach announced just before the election a plan to reduce crime and violence. This includes providing funding to hire more judges and Crown prosecutors, as well as more officers to target serious crimes involving violence and drugs. But how safe do people feel in their homes? On the streets? How extensive is the narcotics problem? These aren’t the only questions, but they deserve to be considered. Perhaps you read Chris Clegg’s “Let the snoozefest begin!” commentary in the Feb. 20 edition. While I’m cynical about politics too, I also think it’s important for everyone to vote. It’s your opportunity to make your voice heard – and to decide whom you want for your MLA. That’s what democracy is all about. More importantly, if you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain about the government or the party in power. So, go out there and hold the candidates’ feet to the fire. Ask them “hard” questions like the ones I am posing. Then, on March 3, mark an “X” for the person you think best represents your needs and concerns.

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