I've been a passive blogophile -- benefiting from the wisdom, or at least the commentary, of others -- meaning to join in, but always blaming a lack of time.  Well - no time like the present!

One of my passionate beliefs about the political process is that the most important role of an MLA -- any elected person for that matter -- is to spur discussion.  Public policy and the public good benefit from forums for discussion and active participants.  Too often even now, I hear people lament that they aren't heard or that their voice doesn't matter or doesn't count.

Voices do count, and if I am re-elected, my job will be to continue to get discussion going. This medium has to be part of the process -- my electronic "Town Hall" or "Community Focus" meeting.

I participate in public discussion with three perspectives, though I am influenced by many more. First, I'm an MLA. Second, I'm a member of government and Minister of Health & Wellness. (These first two are of course dependent on reelection.) Third, I'm a citizen profoundly interested in public policy and in the role of government(s), communities and citizens.

Of course, in the next few weeks, my focus will be on the election -- and that's an important way of keeping my perspective.

Last week, I had the privilege of joining a team of Edmontonians on the Edmonton Committee to End Homelessness.  Phillip Mangano spoke of the activities under way in many cities across th US and the success they are having.  The Calgary Committee has been at it for a while and recently published their plan.  Premier Stelmach has announced a secretariat to end homelessness in Alberta in ten years and members have been appointed. These are great beginnings to a coordinated approach involving governments, citizens and communities taking on a significant social issue and not just talk about it. This is community governance at its best: leadership empowering and enabling strategic planning for concerted action. We can and will end homelessness.

This week, the campaign launched with the Throne Speech setting out the specific actions the government will take under its plan. This was followed by the droppping of the Writ.  Back to the doors!  I try to door knock constantly, but I have to admit that between the leadership process and the Health and Wellness portfolio, my efforts have not been as constant as necessary to keep up with my constituency's growth. But I'm back at it with a passion!

While the big issues preoccupy us, door knocking reveals many of the talents and opportunities we have in our community we seldom get to see or hear about.  It's been great meeting with the many new citizens who have come looking for opportunity and who are excited about having the chance to achieve a better life for their family. I've also talked to many families who are focusing on getting their children an education. People have moved here because they can get better programs for their children with autism or other problems they have to deal with. We're focused on helping children overcome obstacles and be the best they can be.

Young people here from BC or Ontario excited to tell you that they have never had as much as they have here -- no sales tax, lower taxes -- a great place to work or start a business.  And yes, I hear from Albertans who have been here all their lives who are asking about their "Alberta Advantage".  On Monday night, I met a lady who remembered me from the Justice portfolio and wanted to talk about her passion, stalking and family violence.  She knew the priority I put on ending family violence (and still do) and wanted to let me know how the issue was progressing from her viewpoint and how she felt she could contribute more to the solution.  She left me with a book "The Gift of Fear"  which will probably have to wait until March 4th. 

We have a community of interesting people, all of whom have something to offer in building our city and province.  I hope to introduce you to some of them on this blog over the next month. Great people and good ideas -- a great recipe for a successful community! I've joined the electronic discussion.  I will be posting as often as I can while I'm out trying to keep my perspective.