Kmiec claims Calgary Shepard
Conservative Party newcomer Tom Kmiec rowed to an easy victory in Calgary Shepard, resisting the red wave that swept the rest of the country.
A former aide to Jason Kenney, who had represented much of this area before riding boundaries were redrawn in advance of this election, the 36- year- old’s share of the vote almost equalled that of his former boss four years ago.
“I’m glad the residents of Calgary- Shepard decided they wanted to support the Conservative Party and chose me as the better candidate,” Kmiec said in an interview.
“Bittersweet is what I call it. A lot of friends ( are) being defeated.”
Voters like Wes Jones, who voted Monday at a poll in a working class part of the riding, may explain why the Conservatives won so handily in Calgary Shepard.
The 28- year- old salesman was sold on the party’s economic platform.
“I struggled harder than I have in the past,” Jones said. “The economic side won out.”
Liberal candidate Jerome James was unbowed, noting his party had captured a larger share of the vote in the former Calgary Southeast riding this time than in any election since 1988.
“The blue roots of conservatism run deep in this city,” James said. “People vote on the basis of tradition … but that is starting to shift.”
Although the NDP’s share of the vote declined from 2011, candidate Dany Allard — one of four men, all under the age of 40 who were vying for the seat — said he’d also heard from many voters who wanted change.
“They’re tired of the Conservatives fearmongering and they’re looking for affordable child care, cheaper housing and better transit,” said Allard, “something they haven’t seen over the last 10 years.”
The NDP’s pledge of better relations with the country’s First Nation resonated strongly with Brent Bastien, who originally hails from a reserve near Pincher Creek.
“I’m voting for a change, for native people to be heard and understood, to have our treaty rights respected,” he said.
“I’m not that well educated, but I want a better life for my kids.”
Green candidate Graham MacKenzie could not be reached for comment Monday.