From the Smoky Lake Signal, July 19, 1978

George Topolnisky Wins P.C. Nomination

George Topolnisky incumbent MLA was given an overwhelming mandate on first ballot over two other opponents, at the Redwater Andrew Constituency nominating convention held on July 13, 1978.

The two other opponents were Ron Rudkowsky school teacher from Willingdon and David J. Frunchak Real Estate Agent from Andrew.

Over one thousand people were in attendence at the orderly, well conducted meeting.

Radway hoseted the convention and provided accomation for the huge crowd.

The provincial election is suspected in the spring of 1979.

A hot filled to capacity hall, and a swarm of people at the doorway outside was the secene of the Redwater-Andrew Consituency Progressive Conservative Nomination. The event took place in Dadway with over 1000 people in attendance. The organizers were prepared for the crowd with a tent set up at the side door, rows of benches and a speaker to accomodate the people overflowing the buidling.

George Kozub opened the meeting with the singing of O Canada.

The speakers were then introduced with the nominator of David Frunchak starting. "It is an honor and privilege to speak and place my name as nominator of one of three candidates. David Frunchak is no stranger to politics and the party," he then went on to list the activates in which Mr. Frunchak has been involved: president of the young P.C. and candidate for Vermillion constituency; campaign manager for Frank Fane, retired MP for Vegreville; was agent for Don Mazankowsky, present MP; was active in Lougheed campaign; was for nine years secretary treasurer for towns of Andrew and Mundare; was president of the Urban Association of Alberta; has been active in hog and cattle and mixed farming, was on the hog marketing board; executive members of the Consumers Association and is presently Manager for a Trust Co. in their real estate division.

David Frunchak began by saying there is a need for remedying the lackadasical attitude of the constituency. "People must be involved, must be heard, I believe in the power of the people. We must run as the people's party." Mr. Frunchak went on to say "I will get involved in the problems of the people. My experience will be of value. We must get things done for the senior citizens, cut costs of necessities for them so they can buy other things. We must help the farmers,  the children, the small businessmen and the families, to improve the quality of life."

Of current issues, Mr. Frunchak sited the following, "first there is the future of young children. It is in our hands. And I am distressed with the condition of the roads. Number 831 should be improved, as it joins people from one side of the river to the other."

"I will help the farmer with gasoline tax problem, a county program of veterinary service and meat marketing problems. I will help with pensions, medical cards, passports, income tax and capital costs. I will help face the growth requirements of the constituency as the energy corridor." In closing Mr. Franchak said "take my experience, business knowledge and success as a farmer. Take me as a P.C. candidate."

The nominator of Ron Rudkowsky, Metrow Huculak, spoke next. "Ron," he said, "is sensitive to problems which plagues society - no matter how big or how small the problem."

Mr. Rudkowsky then followed expressing his thanks for the turn out. "The turn out here tonight insures the party is healthy and that there is interest in who will represent us." He stated his concerns fro the constituency. "Our secondary roads have been deteriorating. We should rebuild when needed. We require a master plan. In regards to agriculture, the problems of escalating costs of fertilizers and machinery must be dealt with. Opening a port in Prince Rupert will gain 25 cents but more than that is needed. Our products are not getting world prices when they are shipped east."

"We should have higher recreation grants, especially to help with operating costs. We must better inform groups and societies of grants which are available. Public meetings should be helped so people can express their views - at least once or twice a year." After an address in Ukrainian Mr. Rudkowsky closed with "If nominated and elected I promise to serve to the best of my ability. I will make you proud of your constituency, and I will make myself available to you when you need help."

Mr. Marshall Krywaniuk, nominator for George Topolnisky spoke next. "I realize that many of you know the incumbent and know of his accomplishments. He taught with me in Lamont county and I remember the inspectors remarks 'We have the pick of the crop". George Topolnisky has been a member of the Lions club, has been in local politics - mayor of Andrew, and has served as a cabinet minister on Rural Development Portfolio. His accomplishments with in the constituency have been two new hospitals, two new senior citizens lodges, six multipurpose arenas, tree nursery, energy corridor, treasury branch, government building, and has assisted in improvements of roads."

"George is active, served on various committees, agriculture, recreation boards and now on the committee for the commonwealth games. George has assisted you both individually and collectively. A vote for George is a vote for continued progress."

After a comment from his seconder Mr. George Topolnisky spoke. "I've been active in the P.C. party since 1959 and have been in the party since 1956. Two or three of us held P.C. annual meetings back in those days with only two or three people present. In 1970 things started to happen. The candidate here from Andrew was not in the party provincially, since 1971, but rather since June 24, 1978."

The candidate from Willingdon called me recently, Mr. Topolnisky said, and asked me if I was going to run again. I replied that I was and inquired why he wanted to know. His reply was that he just got interested in politics and if I wasn't running he would.

"Two days befor ethe convention I received a brochure of his in my mail," said Mr. Topolnisky, "all questions, no answers."

"In 1971," Mr. Topolnisky went on to say "we were confronted with the plight of rural areas - people leaving farms, and small communities, businesses closing down. As chairman of the Rural Development I had to see that something was done. The first program was multipurpose buildings to tie in agriculture and recreation. In another direction was the rural natural gas program which 30,000 farmers enjoy."

"The N.E. part of Alberta had little to offer in those days - no jobs or industries. Students who our forefathers paid to educate left the community. Our loss was someone else's gain. Now the energy corridor covers most of our constituency. It could have gone elsewhere. The tree nursery is the envy of many MLA's, it wasn't easy to swing."

Regarding highway number 831, its up to the council to make decisions on which highway to fix, not the government. I'll help and give my support. Other highways are being built continuously, not just at the time of an election."

Mr. Topolnisky finished saying, "I have helped many communities, turning down none. If farmers and small communities weren't there, the bigger ones wouldn't be there."

Mr. George Kozub then explained the voting procedures. One must have a membership in the P.C. party to pick up a ballot. The winning candidate must have 50% and 1 vote to win on the first ballot. If not, then we have a second ballot. The lowest man on the first ballot must drop out.

George Topolnisky won on the first ballot over Mr. Rudkowsky and Mr. Frunchak.

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