Why am I running?
Well...
For two main reasons.
A lifelong conservative, I believe principled leadership, fiscal responsibility, and grassroots engagement are the foundation of good government.
My business background has given me a solid understanding of budgeting, financial accountability, and responsible decision-making. Years of service on several non-profit boards have also provided valuable governance experience. Volunteering at our local Food Bank serves as a constant reminder of how hard things are for many Albertans, including here in Sherwood Park. As did fifteen years working to help the homeless when I lived in Fort McMurray.
The second, but most important reason, is because so many people asked me to.
I'm not doing this to advance my career or pad up my resume. This isn't about me; it's about you. Known for my honesty, authenticity, and willingness to speak candidly, I am comfortable engaging with residents, speaking publicly, and representing conservative values with confidence. Personable and someone who knows what it is like to be a regular Albertan, these values endear me to those who want a fresh face representing them. As you'll see in from those who know me below.
A little more about Kathy Flett
Hello neighbor!
Summer is my favorite season. Finally we are all outside and visiting again! It also provides great weather for door knocking. Whether it’s a quick hello, or a fifteen-minute conversation, it is a joy connecting with you. It is also fascinating to discover that, though you probably do not realize it, most of you who take the time to chat with me are also mostly all on the same page.
Three topics come up again and again: affordability, Ottawa, and the referendum.
Out-of-control taxes and inflation are brought up the most. There is a real desire among the majority of you for governments to get back to governing rather than managing. In other words, a return to true blue conservatism. I agree.
There is also quite a bit of angst toward Ottawa. Simply stated, there is not a lot of faith that the Federal Government actually has our best interests at heart. I agree.
The referendum questions do not come up as often as the first two points, but certainly not a negligible amount either. Though there is some confusion around them, most are glad the UCP government put these questions to the people, and I agree with that as well.
Unsurprisingly, and quite rightly, I am often asked is why am I doing this? It is a fair question. Know that I am not doing this with aspirations of becoming a career politician, bureaucrat, or looking for some 'in' to climb a corporate ladder. That is not it at all. I am doing this because Alberta is our home and we need representatives in the Legislature who will unapologetically put Alberta and Albertans first. That someone is me.
If you agree with that, then your vote for Kathy Flett this Saturday is the first step to making that happen.
Thank you in advance for your support and, if we haven't met already, I hope to see you soon!
Kathy Flett
And a little more about me
Hello again!
Meeting as many of you as possible (and at least a thousand mosquitoes), there is a striking difference between the people in this Constituency and my usual experience in politics. Typically, when I have door knocked either for myself or someone else, no one really cared much about the one seeking the vote. It was simply, “If I vote for you, what are you going to do for me?” With very few exceptions, that has not been the case in this campaign. You want to know who I am, what is important to me, what do I bring to the table. Let me tell you.
Having a background in both human services and entrepreneurship does seem like a strange combination, but it actually brings a balanced blend of ideas and skill sets.
Several years ago, working in the non-profit sector, my role was to advocate and coordinate wrap around support services for those ready to make some positive changes for him/herself. It didn’t take long to figure out government has a lot of red tape to weed through. Though it was very frustrating, I found ways to work around it. By thinking ‘outside the box’, a lot of men and women were able to embark on a new trajectory for their future and accomplish the goals they set for themselves. It was beautiful to watch.
As an entrepreneur, I quickly realized that government likes to interfere in my business. To call it an irritant is an understatement. Whether it’s regulations, tax laws, or the federal government shutting down or delaying projects, small business owners in Alberta have very little control over risk verses reward these days. The Province of Alberta has a Minister of Red Tape Reduction, which is great. But that doesn’t shield us from decisions made in Ottawa. In a province where small business owners were once the backbone of the economy, the state we are now in is not right. That needs to change.
But enough about me. This is about you. Most of you have genuine concerns for your fellow Albertans, along with a real hunger for real conversation. Here is a short summary of what you have told me.
Often, without realizing it, topics covered in the referendum questions came up. You have sincere worries about immigration, representation in the House of Commons and Senate, the economy, what our future is going to look like, and rightfully so. There is a lot of uncertainty out there.
I spoke with Moms and Dads whose kids are struggling to find work or moved back home because they can’t afford to live on their own. We have seniors who are still working, not because they want to, but because they have to. I also volunteer at our local food bank and hear a lot of people’s stories there as well. It isn’t good.
Ideas as to how we go about making things better is where the best dialogues take place. Every chat has included both disagreement and common ground. Without exception, all ended with a smile from both parties and closed with the words ‘it was good talking with you.’
Curiously, at the beginning of this campaign, both nominees were asked if we would participate in a ‘Meet and Greet’ with the members. Only I said yes.
Both were approached by the CBC to do an interview. When I met with them Monday, I was the only who had responded. The interview is supposed to be released today so we will find out if anything changed, or if it’s even released at all.
All emails and messages have been answered and that will continue. And, of course, thank you for the often-robust conversations at the doors. If there is anything you want to talk about that we haven’t covered, please email me at kathy4shpk@gmail.com.
Tomorrow, we have a very important decision to make: Who will represent us in the next provincial election? As many of you found out for yourselves, I am not afraid of the tough conversations, constructive criticism, and exploring new ideas. With an established history of valuing people over politics, working tirelessly for what I believe in, and unashamedly Alberta first, I am the only one who will stand with you and work for you. Which means I am the only one who will represent you properly, and win this seat back from the NDP.
Tomorrow, don’t miss your chance to vote for Kathy Flett