Independent the
Stettler SERVING THE
Heart
April 29, 2015 STETTLER, ALBERTA
VOLUME ONE-HUNDRED NINE NUMBER SEVENTEEN PM40011853 R08546
$
1.09 Plus GST
OF CENTRAL ALBERTA FOR 108 YEARS
Sports
E
Badminton season in full speed
E
Story on P16
Community
99
Worry-free entertainment for kids 2013 GMC Yukon
Story on P2
99
2013 GMC Yukon
District
Stopping houses $52,999 of Mayrville
GMC Yukon
99 99
Stacey Lavallie/Independent reporter
Column on P22
Former MLA and PC candidate Jack Hayden introduces himself at the start of an all-candidates forum held in Stettler on Monday, April 27. Seated are incumbent Rick Strankman of the Wildrose Party and first-time challenger Emily Shannon for the NDP.
$52,999
$52,999 Candidates grilled over budget, education Stacey Lavallie INDEPENDENT REPORTER The three candidates vying for the responsibilities of MLA for Drumheller-Stettler riding were in attendance at the Stettler Community Centre on Monday, April 28 to present their platforms and defend their parties. Each candidate – incumbent Rick Strankman for the Wildrose party, former MLA Jack Hayden for the Progressive Conservative party, and newcomer Emily Shannon for the New Democratic Party – were
$49,999 $49,999
2012GMC GMCCrew Crew2500 2500 2012
GMC Crew 2500
$49,999
allowed a few minutes to introduce themselves and present their platforms. Following introductions came the questions, submitted prior to the event by email, at the microphone as people stood up, or submitted on paper to the moderator, Leona Thorogood. Though some seats in the hall were empty at the Board of Trade-Public Library sponsored event, the majority were taken as people from the surrounding communities gathered to see who they had to choose from on May 5. Each of the three candidates
remained close to their party’s playbook, with Strankman insisting upon less government, Shannon on taxing the corporations rather than individuals and small businesses, and Hayden on staying the course and preparing for a bit of a tighter belt period. Hayden broke with the party line when discussing education though, saying that he felt spending should be more in the control of school boards, rather than a situation like current, where the boards have to go to the minister of education to ask for permission to spend
money the schools have saved or fundraised through the hard efforts of their students, staff and parents. Both Shannon and Strankman were critical of the government’s decision to freeze reserves, not fund new students, and continue to fund schools on outdated information. While Hayden pointed out that education is the only portfolio in the government to see increased funding, he admitted the money was just to cover contractual obligations with teacher budgets. continued on page 4
Just like the Snow... We’ve got PreOwned Vehicles that need to go! #46055 - 2013 GMC Yukon
Check Out These HOT DEALS!
$52,999
#14167A - 2013 GMC Terrain #15111A - 2012 Dodge Ram
#15109A - 2009 Dodge Journey SXT
$34,999
#14191A - 2011 Ford Flex Limited
$20,999
CHEVROLET BUICK GMC & Detailing Service
$20,999 $34,999
www.Stettlergm.com
403-742-3407