The Ponoka and Lacombe riding election forum was held on the evening of the March 28th at the Ponoka Legion.

Candidates from local parties were put to question by the public about their platforms, beliefs, and plans for the future of Alberta.

The candidates in attendance were Ron Orr, incumbent and representing the United Conservative Party, Doug Hart representing the New Democratic Party, Myles Chykerda representing the Alberta Party, Shawn Tylke representing the Alberta Advantage Party, and Tessa Swagierczak representing the Alberta Independence Party.

Among the most prominent issues brought up were senior care, taxes, farmer safety, health care, business ownership, money in petroleum products, economy, jobs, and education.

Local teacher, Janel Sherwin had the opportunity to quiz the UCP on their platform regarding education, but she didn’t really feel that her concerns were properly addressed.

“He did not answer my question at all. My question had nothing to do with Provincial Achievement Tests. My question had everything to do with one of the thirteen points of education that the UCP added to their platform in terms of education. What I wanted to know is what his thoughts were on how they’re planning on increasing and supporting charter schools and how that impacts public schools when they also have mentioned that there is a possibility of the funding going with the students to the charters and other private schools, which would be damaging to the public system.”

Sherwin suggested that “The funding should remain either at status quo for charter schools and otherwise. Otherwise, the focus needs to be on public schools every day, all day.”

However, education wasn’t the only thing that brought Sherwin out to the election forum as she was also interested in hearing from the other candidates.

“I wanted to also learn more about Myles and the Alberta Party I had a chance to hear Stephen Mandel speak and I wanted to hear what our local representative from the Alberta Party had to say about things and get a feel for him.”

All candidates were quizzed with challenging questions from the public, but they were all given equal time and opportunity to address the concerns of the public and speak on behalf of their party. In the end, it was an informative night for both the concerned Albertan citizen and the responsible candidate.