Wildrose leader didn’t help OHV controversy

The OHVers gathered in Galt Gardens for a rally to protest the recent announcement of a ban of OHVs in the Castle Provincial Park and the Castle Wildland Provincial Park. The most unreasonable person at the rally was definitely Brian Jean, leader of the Wildrose Party, who was not there for the cause.

The rhetoric was aimed at denouncing the NDP and claiming his camaraderie with OHVers in order to spill his outdated values and tired old cliches like a new coat of paint onto the assembly of Albertans. “The government of Alberta works for you. You don’t work for them,” rang out to Albertans who share a common passion of riding in sensitive areas of the province.

By golly, we do live in a democracy. Thank you, Mr. Jean, but is that the best you can do to ingratiate yourself to a group of people who are in conflict with those who want to preserve the landscape, the watershed and the wildlife in a park? Would the opposing political parties ever consider taking the high road, attempting to quell the fears of supporters and non-supporters instead of being opportunistic in the sense that there are votes to be had and new party members to be gained?

Brian Jean was not there to help his fellow citizens find a resolution, but he was there to orate by making inflammatory comments. He did nothing constructive. By comparison, Gary Clark, president of the Crowsnest Quad Squad, reasonably offered the perspective of people who enjoy motorized recreation and its impact on the communities who garner the welcome tourist dollars. In my opinion, the best way to enjoy nature is with your ear to the wind, the sun on your back and your feet on undisturbed earth. I would support any political party with a similar philosophy.

Donna Little

Lethbridge