Wildrose party candidate for Cypress-Medicine Hat, Drew Barnes, left, talked with those who came out on Saturday to one of his "town hall" meetings held at the Irvine Sports Complex. Government spending, bureaucracy, and flood assistance were some of the many topics those in attendance raised, while also looking at how to get Wildrose party's message out to more people. -- NEWS PHOTO PEGGY REVELL

PEGGY REVELL
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How can discontent with the ruling Progressive Conservative party translate into actual votes on election day?
That was the question asked Saturday, as Medicine Hat-Cypress Hills Wildrose Party Candidate hosted a townhall meeting at the Irvine Sports Complex
"I think in Medicine Hat, the number one issue seems to be healthcare," said Drew Barnes — citing wait-lists, and a lack of family doctors and home care — to a small crowd of people who came out for the meeting.
For the rural regions, property rights are the big issue, he said.
For both urban and rural constituents he's spoken to aren't happy with the government's budget.
"They're very very upset that the government isn't looking at efficiencies anywhere," he said, claiming that the Wildrose is the only party who will be able to go in and clean up.
Unsurprisingly, those who came out for the town hall meeting were disenchanted with the ruling PC PartyÑwith complaints about bureaucracy, spending waste and that the PC's aren't conservative anymore.
Ranchers from the Irvine region voiced frustration over the government's handling of flood claimsÑincluding the time it's taken, a lack of clarity in procedure, and the hoops they've had to jump through.
"We shouldn't even be talking about this," remarked one rancher about the frustration they felt about a problem that should have been solved long ago.
But the conversation repeatedly turned into how the Wildrose Party can draw in support when facing a governing party that has been in power for decades and can outspend their party on the campaign trail.
This election, the party has candidates running in all ridings compared to their NDP and Liberal counterparts.
As well, former national campaign manager for the Federal Conservatives, Tom Flanagan, is also on board to run the Wildrose Party's campaign this spring.
Grassroots support for the Wildrose is there and growing, Barnes said, pointing to some of the pre-election polling results that show the Wildrose now in second place. Some have placed Wildrose leader, Danielle Smith, on par with Alberta PC leader Alison Redford in terms of popularity.
"It's changed," Barnes said about the response people have had since he's started knocking on doors, becoming more receptive to the party and expressing discontent with the PCs.
"Our biggest challenge is getting people out to vote," said Colin Phaff, assistant to the Southern director for the Wildrose Party, about turning this discontent into results on election day.