EDMONTON, AB (October 13, 2011): Pork barrel style politics during the past 40 years of the current government is just another sign of democratic decay and a broken municipal funding system, the Wildrose Caucus said today.

A report released by the media details how a local city official actively solicited votes for Premier Alison Redford to ensure the new Transportation Minister and former Infrastructure Minister, Ray Danyluk, would be appointed to cabinet to keep money flowing to his local riding.

“It is shameful that after a leadership race claiming democratic renewal, this government still presides over a system where having friends in high places is what matters most when receiving tax payers’ dollars, forcing municipalities to beg cap in hand for funding to meet the needs of their residents,” Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith said.  “It certainly seems that the business of change has gone out the window for the business of old school politics.”

Paul Hinman, Wildrose Critic for Municipal Affairs, said that this incident demonstrates why the relationship between the province and municipalities must change, and more revenue and authority need to be at the local level.

“This is what happens when you have a funding system that doles out hundreds of millions of dollars based on political calculation and favoritism rather than on the needs of Albertans,” Hinman said.  “It is the job of the province to provide municipalities with a stable long term funding formula so that the provincial government can get out of the way of local decision making.”

The Wildrose Caucus released their Municipal Affairs policy on October 21, 2010.  Among other substantive policies that comprise the Wildrose “Green Book”, the Municipal Affairs policy can be viewed here.

The Wildrose Caucus stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.

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For further information or to arrange an interview, media are invited to contact:

Evan Menzies

Communications Assistant, Wildrose Caucus

Ph: 780 904-4913