Here is a final list of the four Wildrose candidates for the 27 October 2014 by-election:
Calgary-Elbow: Col. John Fletcher
As the Commander of the reserve army in Alberta, John commanded approximately 1,300 soldiers and managed a multi-million dollar budget. His diplomatic duties included maintaining a close relationship with the consular appointments in the Province of Alberta as well as with the mayor of Calgary and the premier of Alberta. John’s command abilities in this role were rated outstanding.
John has practiced law in Alberta since 1979. His experience includes six years with a major law firm in Calgary as well as 15 years as Vice President, Legal and Corporate Affairs, with Ranger Oil Limited. While with Ranger Oil, he was responsible for all legal matters, including negotiating multi-million dollar financings, acquisitions, and defending takeover bids in addition to negotiating international energy and gas production sharing agreements. As a result of this work, John developed in-depth knowledge about corporate finance and international oil issues, particularly in Angola and Iraq. In 2002, he established his own practice, J.E. Fletcher Professional Corporation, and successfully built a thriving law firm.
He has appeared in front of the Court of Appeal, Court of Queen’s Bench, Provincial Court (Civil Division), and Alberta Securities Commission. John also serves as the Chairman of the Corps of Commissionaires for Southern Alberta. This is a not-for-profit organization that supports veterans of the military and the RCMP. There are 1,700 commissionaires in Southern Alberta.
Calgary-Foothills: Kathy Macdonald
Kathy Macdonald has been a resident of Calgary for over 40 years. She is married to Wade Mills, an elementary school teacher and together with their daughter they live in Northwest Calgary.
Kathy recently retired after 25 years of service from the Calgary Police Service. Among her police duties, she helped champion awareness of cyber safety with youth, parents, seniors, industry, government and law enforcement. She helped develop legislation for cybercrime for developing countries and recently was invited as one of the “global change agents” to participate in a NATO Science for Peace and Security Program.
Kathy is a Certified Protection Professional and holds a Master’s Degree in Science with Merit in Security and Risk Management. In 2009, she was granted the Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces (M.O.M.) by the Governor General of Canada, recognizing her outstanding commitment to the police service and community.
Kathy looks forward to working with the people of Calgary-Foothills, by listening, being accessible and strongly advocating for constituents at the provincial level.
Calgary-West: Sheila Taylor
Sheila Taylor has served as a public school trustee in Calgary since 2010 and recently completed a term as Chair of the Calgary Board of Education. A tireless advocate for her constituents, Sheila has continually advocated for transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and public consultation in her time as a trustee.
Sheila attended the University of Alberta, where she earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree with concentration in Marketing and Finance. After graduating, Sheila went on to work in marketing, sales, accounting and management, spending eight years with Imperial Oil. While in the oil and gas industry, she worked in Edmonton, Vancouver, and Toronto before coming home to Alberta to raise her family in Calgary.
Active in the community, Sheila has served multiple terms on the board of her local Community Association, most recently as President. A committed advocate for childhood wellness, she dedicates an evening each week to coaching youth community basketball.
Sheila has been married to her husband Aaron for fourteen years and they have two children attending public school in Calgary.
Edmonton-Whitemud: Tim Grover
Tim is a staunch proponent of the power of small businesses, and a leading advocate for entrepreneurial development in Alberta. Tim has earned his living over the last 25 years starting, growing, and operating successful small businesses throughout the capital region and is running to be a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta because small business is being left behind.
90% of Albertans are employed by small and medium sized business but there is no significant advocacy from the Government of Alberta; Tim wants to change that.
Alongside Tim’s passion for small business, he places nothing higher than his family; his fantastic wife, Patricia, and five great kids. Their children range in age from 12 to 25 years, giving Tim a front row position to witness the ups and most recently, downs of the Alberta education system. Tim wants to ensure that all new members of our society have access to a work-renowned Alberta school system.