"Speak the speech I gave thee trippingly on the tongue"

Ah yes - a little of the Bard never hurt anyone! This is the speech that I delivered during our All Candidates Forum on February 26, 2008. Many thanks to the wonderful Doug McKeag.


Thank you to the Strathcona Community Association for the invitation to participate in this community forum tonight.

The fantastic turnount tells me that democracy is alive and well in Calgary-West! It's time to make sure that democracy is alive and well in Edmonton!


The energy that I am feeling from you tonight is very similar to what I've been feeling the past couple of weeks as I've talked to people on their doorsteps. I have been treated very respectfully and I've been asked some really deep questions from people who are finding that their overall quality of life is deteriorating. The things that we used to be able to count on are falling apart. You are wondering why you can't trust your medical system to be there for you, why our schools are scraping by on bake sales and fundraisers...well, these are really good questions. Basically, you are asking me if there is a better way to get things done. You are telling me: it's time.


Alberta is a very rich province that is entering it's golden age. Right now, we have our chance to build the Alberta of the next 25 years. Every one of you has a list of about 9 or 10 things that you think could be improved. I know because you are telling me. Well, let's start to think about the province we want. Get the province we want. Help to build the communities that we want to live in.


Folks, it's time. Time to demand schools that are excellent for our children. Schools that offer inspirational programs in all areas, including arts, culture and sport. Schools that are freshly painted and well maintained. Schools that don't have leaky roofs. It's time to demand an education system that is enthused and excited about education.


It's time. Time to demand the health care that you deserve and that you need, when you need it. Health care that is compassionate, timely and efficient. A health care system that respects the people who work in it - our nurses, our doctors and our technicians. 12 hour waits in emergency rooms - not good enough. 2 year waits for hip replacements - not good enough. It's time to demand a health care system that isn't in a constant state of emergency.


Folks, it's time. Time to demand accountable government. You are telling me, on your streets and in your neighbourhoods that you are ready for a change. You want new ideas and new voices in the legislature. You want your government to work more than 45 days a year. You want a government that explains the decisions it makes, on YOUR behalf. Just like how you plan your own lives, you want a government that plans for the present and the future.


When your government is accountable, the right decisions are made at the right time. Schools are built where you need them, when you need them. Hospitals are not torn down, they are built where you need them, when you need them. And, in an accountable government, complex decisions like oil and gas royalities are discussed in a transparent and intelligent manner.


So: if you could change things, what would you change?


I'm listening. Tell me about it. You know what's going on, right where you live. You know the changes you need.


This is the commitment of the Alberta Liberal's and this is my personal commitmenet to you: to bring the government back to the people.


Let's remember something here - this is YOUR government. If your government is not listening to you, well, make the first change. Elect someone who will listen to you. March 3 is your chance for change. Let's get together. Let's make things better. It's time.


Thank you.

Fresh flowers from a friend on a chilly minus 35 evening defrosted my body and my heart. I am deeply touched by the outpouring of support and affection from my friends in Calgary.

We have been out door knocking, jumping into the cars to warm our toes and back out onto the sidewalks talking to the good folks of Calgary-West. We are getting good response and many positive "shout outs" of "good for you" and "good luck".

Great times - simply great!

En Pointe

Play the "post parade" my friends because the election writ has been dropped and we are off to the races! I have been overwhelmed by the amount of support and encouragement from folks all over the city, the province, the country and heck..even a few Democrats from south of the border.

We open our campaign office on Saturday, February 9 and if you are in Calgary, please drop in and help out. The address is 3411 17th Ave SW.

My best friend in the whole universe, Cynthia, recently gave me a coffee mug with the following:

risk more than others think is safe

care more than others think is wise

dream more than others think is practical

expect more than others think is possible

Right on! We are social innovators. Hear your own calling. Be still and watch the patterns emerging all around you. Then, find your way into the pattern to make a change. Or, as my friend Frost would say, "Reach - you feel me?".

Frost gave me a hiphop name a few years ago. It's Trax. In my journey, I manifest my name. It's like that great poem by TS Eliot, "The Naming of Cats".....the ineffable sound of your very own name.

Be well, my friends.