James Ford CAN win in Sherwood Park!
Really I’m talking about the constituency of Strathcona County but I live in Sherwood Park. I took my friend Ken Chapman’s advice and went down to visit James (Jimmy) Ford this evening at his campaign office. To be honest with you, up to now I’d missed out on all the “Uppal-Gate” hoopla out here in the Park mostly having my head down building my company. That said I did some digging and there’s definitely some history here to be aware of.
First, politically you should know that I’m a right of centre conservative. Having said that, I wouldn’t call myself a political activist at all, certainly not like Ken’s daily routine that’s for sure. My wife and I vote and we judge people on their character, morals, what they stand for and actions. Jim Ford is a salt of the earth kind of guy, very experienced and I agree with him that election reform is absolutely required in this riding. There’s no doubt that he’s a conservative given his history with the PC Party and beyond that he lives out here and knows our community. A community that myself and my family have only just embraced a few short years ago. This kind of Uppal-Gate thing (more here) really frustrates me and for that reason and many others I found out while talking with Jim tonight I’m voting for Jim and hoping that many folks in Strathcona County will do the same. This is an election reform decision, it’s a pro-conservative philosophy move as well. I just won’t endorse a candidate that’s parachuted in. I certainly won’t vote Liberal, Marijuana (NDP) or Sierra Club Green either…that said, just to spin this, if I was an American I’d vote for Obama in a heart-beat but that’s another blog post and another country. There’s a reason why James Ford’s Facebook group:
James ford for MP – Edmonton-Sherwood Park
is open to comment and his opponent’s group is not…Jim wants to hear from you, talk with you and even debate with you if required…yes he started his Facebook group late and still you should join and start a discussion. Better yet, meet Jim in person, I know once you do you’ll most certainly vote for him.
“James Ford’s group is open to comment and his opponent’s group is not”
Actually, Brian LaBelle’s group IS open to comments and can be found at http://www.new.facebook.com/inbox/#/group.php?gid=31385742311
Of considerable interest is Brian’s “$1000 per week challenge” where he urges his opponents to put their money where their mouths are. Brian has my vote as a result.
James Ford actually came out with a similar statement at the same time as Brian Labelle did. He is going to be putting 25% of his salary as a MP to some type of scholarship fund for students in this riding who are entering into something having to do with politics…
Well, Brian has been making that announcement since 5 mninutes after he got his nomination package and challenged the other candidates to match him in local newspapers over 3 weeks ago. This is the first I’ve heard of Mr. Ford’s, and it’s not the same kind of announcement.
Ford will take 25% of his salary and give it to one person in the form of a scholarship named after himself that he will hand out at a fund-raising dinner for himself.
Anybody who works in children’s services knows $1000 is enough to buy arts and crafts supplies for 500 kids for an entire year. Brian’s announcement to donate 1/3 of his salary will help thousands in the community. It’s funny how both of their donations totally reflect their parties values.
I have a couple of issues with some of the statements you made in your last post. Brian Labelle has not been the NDP candidate for over 3 weeks. As of September 12th there was no NDP candidate and the only news on Brian Labelle was that he was possibly interested in seeking the nomination. James Ford’s announcement was made last week, and was in the Sherwood Park News over the weekend. I am not completely sure of the exact details, but I am guessing the plan is to not just give it to 1 student, but I could be wrong.
As for this contribution to the community, you are right, it is not the same dollar amount as what Brian Labelle is proposing. However, it is easy to make promises such as he is making when the reality behind it is that this riding wont elect an NDP candidate, its just not going to happen. This riding will be between 2 conservatives, the voters just need to decide which conservative they want to vote for.
I`ve met Jim..and he is a gentleman..
I heard how that uppal got in..and he DOES NOT represent Sherwood Park!! there is only ONE thing good, if we have another federal election soon..to elect James Ford!!
And for all you people that want to vote ” conservative”..he said to me, if elected..that he will cross the floor from independant, to conservative..
Comeon Sherwood Park…lets get somebody in parliament..that represents Sherwood Park!!! lets get James Ford, working for US!!