Hinman sworn in as Calgary-Glenmore MLA

Congratulations to Paul Hinman, Interim Leader of the Wildrose Alliance Party and newly sworn MLA for Calgary-Glenmore. It is a great day for Paul, the Calgary-Glenmore constituents and Albertans as this represents the first step toward replacing the Stelmach PC's with a Wildrose Alliance government. The next step is taking place this weekend when the Wildrose Alliance Party will choose it's new leader and I have made no bones about my choice. I am supporting Danielle Smith. Our political awareness is changing the political landscape in Alberta. Politics has changed in Alberta and it is finally for the better. Here is the article from the Edmonton Journal Online October 13, 2009.

EDMONTON —The Wildrose Alliance’s Paul Hinman was sworn in as a member of the legislature Tuesday, officially claiming the Calgary seat left vacant by former deputy premier Ron Stevens.

Hinman won a hotly contested byelection in Calgary-Glenmore last month, largely on a slogan targeting Premier Ed Stelmach: “Send Ed a Message.”

Since his win, and ahead of the fledgling party’s leadership convention this Saturday, the Wildrose Alliance has enjoyed a boost in public opinion polls. One such poll, from Lethbridge College professor Faron Ellis, placed the Wildrose Alliance and the Alberta Liberals in a second-place tie among would-be voters.

On Tuesday, reporters asked Hinman if he thought the party’s sudden popularity was a “flash in the pan.”

“Every flash can either start a fire or it can go out,” Hinman said, adding the party’s connection with Albertans will be tested over time.

Hinman was first elected as an MLA for Cardston-Taber-Warner in 2004, but lost his seat to a Conservative in 2008.

“There’s just a totally different ambience when you travel the province and talk to people,” Hinman said, comparing Alberta in 2009 to Alberta a year ago.

“(People are) discouraged. They say they’ve given this guy a chance, a long chance, he’s blown it and we need to send him a message. There’s just a huge difference between this time and last time.”

Lt.-Gov. Norman Kwong presided over Hinman’s swearing-in ceremony on the floor of the legislature chamber.

Hinman will sit alone as an independent member, likely behind newly independent Fort McMurray-Wood Buffalo MLA Guy Boutilier, who was dismissed from caucus this summer by Stelmach.

Earlier this year, Hinman resigned as leader of the Wildrose Alliance, leaving the field open for Danielle Smith and Mark Dyrholm to compete.

Party members will select a new leader on Saturday in Edmonton.

taudette@thejournal.canwest.com

With files from Archie McLean

© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal