|
Pastoor won’t switch teams |
|
|
|
Written by Delon Shurtz LETHBRIDGE HERALD
|
|
Thursday, 12 February 2009 |
Lethbridge Liberal MLA Bridget Pastoor won’t jump ship, despite a report she’s been thinking about hopping onto a larger boat.
A column in Thursday’s Calgary Herald reported Pastoor, who has strongly criticized Tory policies, especially on seniors’ issues, was thinking about joining the Conservatives. The report, and widely circulated rumours, came from conversations witnessed between Pastoor and the premier’s chief of staff, Ron Glenn, and Randy Dawson, head of the last election campaign. When asked about the rumours, she didn’t admit anything, but she didn’t deny the rumours, either.
Until a tersely written statement later the same day.
“Having a conversation with an old friend from years gone by does not constitute a walk across the aisle,” Pastoor said in the news release. “I will get back to the task at hand as an Alberta Liberal Caucus member and I will not cross the floor.”
Although not exactly a denial, Pastoor said later during a telephone interview she never confirmed to anyone she was thinking of joining the Conservatives. But when asked if she would switch sides in the next election, she said “I am open to anything.”
She pointed out “anything” doesn’t necessarily mean joining the Conservatives should the opportunity arise, but it means considering other options, as well, such as being part of an entirely new political party, or part of a revitalized Liberal Party, or even retiring.
“I would have to see what else is out there. Any option would be open to me.”
Pastoor admitted she’s sometimes disillusioned with the limited effectiveness of an opposition party, and that her primary role is only to question government decisions and try to make government politicians accountable for them.
She said it’s no secret she originally comes from the ranks of the Lougheed Conservatives. But she joined the Alberta Liberal Party and ran as the candidate in Lethbridge East after she witnessed the “devastating” effects of cuts to health care and social programs in the 1990s.
“I have been teased by my Tory colleagues and Tory friends that they would be happy to have me back,” she said in her prepared statement. “While flattering, it is good-humoured fun, which is reflective of my many years in politics and hopefully their respect of the job I have done in the past and the job I do currently.”
Pastoor said she respects Alberta Liberal Leader David Swann, Premier Ed Stelmach and MLAs of all parties.
“I support Dr. Swann’s commitment to democratic reform. I will continue to represent my constituents and work with the other elected members of the Legislature of Alberta and make this a strong and vibrant province for all.”
Seniors’ issues, she added, and issues which affect the constituents of Lethbridge, will remain her primary concerns.
Constituency president Herman Gom hadn’t heard the rumours of Pastoor’s defection, and declined to comment on the impact such a move could have on the association or Liberal supporters in Lethbridge. He doubted, however, the rumours were true.
“Somebody’s got some pipe dreams up in Calgary,” he said.
Pastoor said rumours of switching sides are “always out there,” and this latest rumour may have spread because she was slow in setting the record straight.
“I didn’t deny it right away.”
|
|
Last Updated ( Monday, 10 August 2009 )
|
