Bill Alton is running for the Liberals in St. Albert because he believes in governing from the centre.
The retired carpenter said he’s a Liberal and his father was a Liberal before him.
“I believe in governance from the centre,” Alton said, noting he expects his party to be pragmatic but consider things from both sides.
“It goes from governing from the middle that you can look at things with empathy and you can say yes, this is important, let’s nurture this business but let’s not do it at the expense of low-income people, or let’s not allow things to be advantageous to one side but problematic for another,” Alton said.
Alton moved to St. Albert in 1981 with his wife, and they raised their kids here.
As part of his carpentry career, he worked for the union where he held a couple of positions including union education co-ordinator.
He also was most of the way to a bachelors degree in anthropology, has worked as a porter for the railroad and worked as a bar singer and rock ’n’ roll player for a time and has some music credits to his name.
Alton was on boards relating to carpentry but also volunteered elsewhere, including as chair of the Cantilon Choral Society for 10 years.
He said running to be MLA has been a long-time desire of his.
His priorities would be “grinding whoever is the governing party for consistent funding and appropriate funding for first of all education, for health care and for post-secondary education,” acknowledging that it’s unlikely the Liberals will be forming government after May 5.
“I’m interested in environmental issues but at this point in time at my life what I want to see is my grandchildren have the opportunity to pursue an unfettered education as far as they can go,” Alton said, adding he’s also interested in health care and seniors issues as he ages.
In his free time, Alton plays the guitar, walks his basset hounds and still putters with carpentry projects.
He said if people vote for him, it will be for someone with a long, proud history in St. Albert who will fight to represent the people of the riding.
“I’m hoping that people will see me as someone who is trustworthy, who lives to an ethical standard, who will treat people with respect and empathy,” Alton said.
