Wildrose MLA's decision affirmed

Although it may not have been the province-wide victory MLA Rob Anderson was hoping for, Monday night’s win was nonetheless an important one for the Wildrose incumbent.

After crossing the floor in January 2010, Airdrie’s MLA has been a regular in the media for his outspoken opposition to the Progressive Conservatives, the party of which he was once a member.

Anderson has undergone criticism, taking hits from all sides. In addition, there has been an underlying question of whether Airdrie truly supported their elected representative’s decision to cross the floor.

This election has arguably put all those concerns to rest for the young politician, who, along with 16 other Wildrose MLAs, will now form the official Opposition.

During his victory speech on April 23, Anderson addressed a crowd of cheering supporters, thanking them for giving him such a resounding affirmation.

“It is very humbling that over half the folks in this riding felt the decision (to cross over) was principled and they affirmed that,” he said in a touching delivery. “It is an absolute honour to serve the people of Airdrie.”

Anderson bested PC candidate and Airdrie Deputy Mayor Kelly Hegg’s 5,364 votes by more than 4,000, giving him the green light to go ahead with his passionate representation of Airdrie.

During his speech, he promised to be the City’s voice in government, standing up for residents in their need for new schools and a hospital.

Part of Anderson’s commitment was to sit down with the education minister and put a troubled past behind them.

We are impressed with both Anderson’s passionate defense of his residents despite what others may think of him, and his willingness to let by-gones be by-gones.

We expect Anderson to continue being a fighter that seemingly never gives up at the Legislature.

Airdrie obviously likes what they have seen for the past four years.