Elect Rick Newcombe in Edmonton-Meadowlark

Well, this is not quite the result we had hoped for but let’s face it, we ran a campaign that would make anyone proud!  We ran a clean and respectful campaign based on fresh ideas and a positive future for Alberta.  I guess the voters saw things a different way however we have to respect their decision, pull together and move forward as one, helping the new government anyway we can.

I have to tell you all that this has been a nerve wracking process, that now it’s over, I wouldn’t have missed it for anything.

With that said, I wouldn’t be standing here without the support of so many of you.

This has been a real team effort and although every contribution has been greatly appreciated, I’d like to recognize a few of the people that helped me immeasurably.

Any couple knows how important the support of their partner is in any project, but those who’ve never run for public office may not appreciate the particular stress that their partner must endure.   My wife Joan has been with me literally every step of the way.  Her support has meant the world to me and without her love, patience and commitment to our objective, this journey would have been impossible.  Joan I love you and only hope I can repay you for all the support you’ve given me!

My campaign manager Cindi has been a rock for me throughout the latter stages of our campaign, thank you Cindi for your patience and understanding.

Cameron was our sign builder and he virtually single handedly built all our big campaign signs then helped place them around the city.  He’s got a keen mind for politics and provided a lot of helpful insight.  Thank you, Cam.

Al helped immensely with building signs and placing lawn signs.

Kirby is an aspiring political scientist who was there for us whenever we called. Thanks Kirby.

Bud and Betty have been there for me for…oh about the last 45 years or so…Thanks Bud & Betty!

Kirby Cheong, Ben Wichen and his buddies, Steven, Wilson and Kyle.

Liz who single handedly did all the decorating you saw in our campaign office for election night.  Thank you Liz, this was awesome.

Jeff has been a quiet behind the scenes confidant helping me sort out strategy over beverages.  It was comforting to know you always believed we’d be successful.

The Schmidt family, with Nathan, Jackie and Lexie helping me door knock, all the scrutineers and drivers that helped today, John, Allan, Barry, Kim, Jeff, Lisa…thank you all.

My board, Kim, Barry, Bruce, Ken and Darcy .  Thank you gentlemen a big part of our success is based on your incredible volunteer efforts in building and running our Constituency.

Worthy of special note is one of my new best friends, Rikki.  Rikki has been with me on an almost nightly basis for the month long campaign, pounding the pavement and knocking on doors, delivering and putting up signs and helping out in every way she could, all while looking after her family and a sick husband.  Thanks for all your help Rikki and thanks Lorne & Mckenzie for lending me your wife and mother for so long!

I also want to thank every person took a risk and hosted a lawn sign for me or that invested their personal time to come to one of my 8 town hall meetings to provide me with their input.

And of course, I still want to thank every single person that put their trust and faith in me with their vote and a very special thanks to all those who so generously donated financially and with products and services to my campaign.

To my political opponents, I offer congratulations to each of you.  You all know this is an arduous undertaking that takes courage and conviction.

To the newly re-elected MLA Raj Sherman a special congratulations.  You and your party managed to inspire voters in Edmonton-Meadowlark to turn out in sufficient numbers to secure your place in history.  Please know we as the residents of Edmonton-Meadowlark will be watching you and holding you to your promises.