Let it stand for the record I admire Lesser Slave Lake MLA Scott Sinclair for standing up for people who live in Alberta’s north!
I believe Sinclair to be a man of high principles. When he rose in the Edmonton dome last year to criticize a budget that provided northern Alberta the short end of the stick, Sinclair was being honest and only doing what we elected him to do. Imagine that!
But in the sleazy world of politics, littered with leaders like Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau, Vladimir Putin and countless other clowns masking as politicians, it is all about power and has nothing to do with honesty.
Look at what being honest got Sinclair. A kick in the ass and banishment for not kissing the party mucky-mucks asses!
With all that said, Sinclair did not play the game correctly. Perhaps if he voiced concerns in caucus behind closed doors and far from the ears of the press, his party might have tolerated him. Probably not. Many others would seize the opportunity kiss up to Premier Danielle Smith and gain her favour. It’s what being a good party soldier is all about. Trust me, prime ministers and premiers hand out ChapStick like Santa gives away presents at Christmas.
In the end, what has Lesser Slave Lake received for having an honest MLA who represents our views? Charlie Brown did better at Halloween when he got a rock than what Lesser Slave Lake is getting when compared to Edmonton and Calgary, which sucks Alberta’s money like a tick on a moose. Other areas in rural Alberta are also suffering and not getting their fair share of the political pie. I would like to ask them, “What does your silent MLA get for you?”
No one needs to be told it is always best having an MLA who is part of the ruling government. There is a direct ear inside caucus as to what is going on, something opposition MLAs do not benefit from. They have to rely on “leaks” from MLAs or bureaucrats. Keeping in mind, however, some governments have more leaks than a submarine with screen doors.
Remember, politicians can keep a secret! They just tell it to people who can’t! Thank God for blabbermouths!
I had a terrific chat the other day with a man who knows a thing or two about politics and governance. I do not have permission to use his name but what he told me was true. Official Opposition MLAs (in Alberta’s case, the NDP), are better equipped to serve us. They have a far better chance of arranging meetings with government ministers far better than an Independent MLA booted from his own party.
Why is that? Just because we live in High Prairie or Slave Lake, it does not give us the same rights and opportunities as a Conservative living in Pincher Creek. Oh, the government must be so proud the way their wield their heavy stick. Blaming Sinclair and denying Lesser Slave Lake citizens the same opportunities as other Albertans is like blaming the people living in Hudson’s Hope for not stopping the water and saving Peace River if the W.A.C. Bennett Dam burst.
Sinclair has indeed been voted off the island! He is up the creek without a paddle and fighting a forest fire with a squirt gun.
What this leaves Lesser Slave Lake with is gasping for air from an oxygen tank run dry when it comes to dealing with Edmonton.
It also leaves Sinclair as a one-time MLA with no chance of winning the next election.
And all this for being honest? What does that say about our politics?
Chris Clegg