The next steps for Derek Fildebrandt

No matter where MLA Derek Fildebrandt ends up on the legislature floor come the fall session, his constituency association says it has his back.

The member for StrathmoreBrooks resigned from the UCP caucus Tuesday night after a series of controversies unravelled around him, including renting out his taxpayer-funded apartment on Airbnb, double-dipping on meals paid by the public purse, and facing a court date over a vehicle hit-andrun charge.

Ronda Klemmensen, president of the legacy Strathmore-Brooks constituency association, said the board stands by its representative.

Klemmensen blamed the media for the MLA’s departure from the UCP caucus, calling the multiple controversies surrounding the 31-year-old “distractions.”

“We believe in Derek Fildebrandt’s integrity and values, and we are greatly disappointed in the low-level, ridiculous mudslinging taking place through the media,” she said in an emailed statement.

“Derek’s decision to resign from caucus is the right decision at this time for his family, for StrathmoreBrooks constituency, and for Alberta.”

Fildebrandt took a swipe at the media in his resignation letter, saying stories were “distracting from the work that must be done as the UCP is founded.”

When the Journal revealed he was renting out his apartment on Airbnb, the MLA initially called the story a political “smear” over

his criticism of former Wildrose leader Brian Jean.

It was more than 24 hours before Fildebrandt offered an apology and took leave from his post as the party’s finance critic, saying he recognized the perception of the Airbnb arrangement wasn’t good enough.

Fildebrandt has informed the Speaker of his resignation from the UCP caucus and intention to sit as an independent.

Details on his caucus office location aren’t yet finalized and questions remain about who will pay for his constituency office.

As an independent MLA, Fildebrandt is entitled to a pro-rated share of a $192,000 annual budget, comprised of the $78,907 all members receive and a $112,724 committee research allocation.

The physical location of Fildebrandt’s seat on the floor of the legislature will be sorted out closer to the assembly reconvening Oct. 30. In the past, independent MLAs have ended up behind where the Alberta and Liberal party MLAs currently sit.

LEADERSHIP RACE FOCUS

Fildebrandt was one of the united conservative movement’s most enthusiastic cheerleaders.

He was even considering running for the leadership of the United Conservative Party and formed a political action committee called United Liberty to push for a “yes” vote and advance libertarian values in the new party.

In his resignation letter Tuesday night, Fildebrandt said the race for the UCP throne needs to focus on leadership and values, not on personalities, and the young party cannot afford to be distracted.

Leadership hopefuls have all weighed in.

Late Tuesday night, in a statement emailed to the Journal, Jean thanked Fildebrandt for his contribution to unity and to his work as finance critic.

“As United Conservatives, we must focus on building our party, and providing a united, compassionate, and principled alternative to the NDP,” Jean wrote.

On Wednesday, former Progressive Conservative leader Jason Kenney said he respects Fildebrandt’s “difficult decision to step out of the United Conservative caucus as he seeks to resolve various issues.”

Kenney thanked Fildebrandt as an early voice for reuniting Alberta conservatives and wished him well in his continued role as Strathmore-Brooks MLA.

Leadership candidate Doug Schweitzer also thanked Fildebrandt for his contributions. By stepping down from caucus, he said, Fildebrandt “is showing that he appreciates his conduct was improper.”

“Elected officials need to uphold the highest standards,” Schweitzer said.

On Wednesday, former Wildrose president Jeff Callaway, also a leadership candidate, called Fildebrandt a friend.

“An apology is one thing, it’s about learning from it and earning trust back from Albertans,” Callaway said.