They call him ineffective as opposition leader – and that’s one of the more polite descriptions they have for him.

I have received e-mails from my readers over the last year in particular, who identify themselves as Liberals, but they say they can’t bring themselves to vote for Taft because to them he’s not a true Liberal.

The Alberta Liberals need a new leader and fast. Taft is not connecting with the “Average Joe” out there at all (call it the Ivory Tower / Iggy Syndrome).

 David responds:  I have experienced Kevin Taft as a competent, compassionate and very effective leader during my tenure as an MLA.  I’ve also spoken with many Albertans over the past three years and I get an overwhelming sense that Kevin is registering favourably with the electorate.  In closing, if Kevin Taft is not a true liberal, then who is?

“The Free Market Solves All”.
“Technology will solve the problem”.
“Just make sure we’re globally competitive…”

The only new ideas the liberals need are the ones that will enable them to get the conservatives out of office in Alberta, because until then, nothing really changes.
As for alternatives to the omnipotent Free Market panacea, there are PLENTY; Mr. Swann’s suggestion of “to steer the economy with apporpriate incentives, taxes and regulations” is surely the start, but how to apply this, in a province filled with so many who are uterlly paranoid of state intervention in the economy?? (“STEERING the economy!?!?!…” they’re seeing visions of Josef Stalin and crying ‘Communism’!!)
Stelmach has just shown that the Alberta government is still a long ways off from anything even resembling progressive policy.

…. oh, hi Dave! nice site! Hope everything’s gone well for you and family in Africa.

Commenting on new premier Ed Stelmach’s priorities contained in the new Alberta agenda, Alberta Liberal leader Kevin Taft had this to say:His five priorities sound pretty vague, said Alberta Liberal Leader Kevin Taft. There’s no sign of any new ideas…