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Hal Danchilla
Political strategist
When Premier Ralph Klein saw his party's chokehold on the Alberta legislature erode to a mere landslide in the 2004 provincial election, he tapped Edmonton's Hal Danchilla to find some responses for the Conservatives' reduced majority. Danchilla, who co-chaired the party's revitalization efforts, has been one of the party's key backroom players since Klein won the Conservative leadership in December 1992. Danchilla's stamp on the province's political scene may continue after his current boss departs from the Alberta legislature. The 45-year-old Saskatchewan migr is one of the key strategists for Jim Dinning's bid to succeed Klein as Tory leader. In addition to his work at the legislature, Danchilla also put his considerable talents to use on Stephen Mandel's successful campaign to oust incumbent Bill Smith in Edmonton's mayoral election in October 2004. Danchilla also serves the community by sitting on Grant MacEwan College's board of governors and Edmonton's United Way cabinet. - WG
What leadership qualities must Alberta's next premier possess?
I think the next leader will have to have a vision that includes the vast resources that we have - people and economic power - and he will have to do it for all of Alberta. He won't come from a base of support of one issue or one region. When you come from a province of plenty, you have to make sure that every Albertan enjoys the Alberta Advantage.
Who do you think is the greatest Albertan ever?
Grant MacEwan. He was an environmentalist, naturalist, politician and a visionary. He combined all of those things to create a legacy for the province that is unbelievable.
In 100 years, will you warrant your own chapter in the history books, a footnote to great events or a single Google hit?
I'd love a Google hit.
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