MLA declares religion and politics do indeed mix

- WCR photo by Ramon Gonzalez "Faith leads me to do the right thing and politics is the way to make it happen." Mary Anne Jablonski

By RAMON GONZALEZ
WCR Staff Writer
Fort Saskatchewan

Religion and politics do mix, says Red Deer North MLA Mary Anne Jablonski, a lifelong Catholic.

When Jablonski decided to run in a Red Deer byelection seven years ago, she sought God's advice every step of the way, often asking the Lord if politics was the right path of service for her.

The Lord apparently said "yes" because Jablonski won the 2000 byelection in Red Deer North and was easily re-elected in the 2001 provincial general election. In 2004, she was elected to her third term.

No conflict

"For me, there is no conflict between religion and politics," Jablonski said at the 85th annual convention of the Edmonton archdiocesan Catholic Women's League at Dow Centennial Centre April 21.

"Faith leads me to do the right thing and politics is the way to make it happen."

Politicians may have a reputation as being less trustworthy than a car salesman, but Jablonski tried to convince CWL delegates that the reputation is unfounded.

"I can tell you that MLA's work hard and long, they care about the people they represent and they strive to do the right thing."

Born and raised in St. Catharines, Ont., Jablonski studied psychology and political science at Brock University. She married her husband Bob in 1971 and the couple has three adult children and five grandchildren. The family moved to Alberta in 1980 when Bob was transferred to Penhold with the Canadian Forces.

Business owner

Before entering politics, Jablonski and her husband owned and operated a successful fibreglass manufacturing company that employed 18 people and manufactured various fibreglass projects, including a 70-foot dinosaur, waterslides and jet boats.

As her children grew, Jablonski began to spend more and more time volunteering in the community for Brownies, Girl Guides, hockey, swimming, and soccer and then as a member of the St. Mary's Parish CWL. She spent two years on the council's executive before she was elected an MLA.

In 1999, as a member of the International Training in Communication Club in Red Deer, Jablonski won the international speech competition in Kobe, Japan, which gave her the confidence to seek office.

Take the challenge

"When the job of MLA for Red Deer became available, I was ready for the challenge," she said.

One day while driving west to go camping with her husband, she heard that Stockwell Day had resigned his seat and that a PC nomination for a candidate was being held.

When she told her husband she intended to seek the nomination, he told her she was nuts but offered his support. So did her children and friends.

"I talked to the Lord and I asked him if this is what he wanted me to do," Jablonski told CWL delegates. "I asked him if this was the way he wanted me to serve him and his people. I told the Lord that if it was his will then I would accept it."

At that point, Jablonski was prepared to accept whatever direction the Lord gave her.

"As it turned out, I won the nomination to represent the PC Party in Red Deer North, I won the byelection in September 2000, I won the general election in March 2001 and I won the last election in November 2004."

What would Jesus do?

Conscious of trying to do God's will as an MLA, Jablonski prays for the Lord's support and direction constantly. When she is looking for an answer she asks, "What would Jesus do?"

"I am not perfect and there may be times when I may not have made the right decision, but I do what I believe to be the right thing and then I can sleep at night," she said.

Over the years Jablonski has sponsored several bills designed to protect the environment, children and families and currently chairs the cabinet policy committee on community services. She has also served on numerous other committees, including the crystal meth task force.

In the midst of all this, Jablonski also tries to strike a balance with her family.

"I thought no one could be busier than a small business owner who wears many hats, but I was wrong," she said.

"My job as an MLA is far busier, more time consuming and more challenging than making a 70-foot dinosaur out of fibreglass for the Chicago O'Hare Airport."

Jablonski tries to make each decision with a prayer. "I walk with the Lord and I know he walks with me," she said. "I believe that his purpose for me is to help his people by representing them in the government of Alberta."

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