St. Michael School: My community and why I am dedicated to public service.

Monday will be the first day of my leave of absence to pursue political office.  I have mixed feelings about the possibility of leaving my job as the principal of the well established community of St. Michael School.  Nontheless, I know I am doing the right thing for our community and our constituency. 



Principal Cusanelli and Vice Principal Osborne getting ready for annual food drive



St. Michael students, their parents and even grandparents have become family to us as a staff.  This community embodies committment to public service in every way.  We have worked hard to implement two world class programmes together:  An International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme.  Over the last 5 years, we have developed a sense of interdependance that can only lead to great things.  We have improved our Government Satisfaction Surveys nearly 30% and our Provincial Achievement Test results continue to climb as well.  We have fostered an environment where not only are children happy and trusting, they are confident to question and learn.  They are confident to make mistakes and learn which to me is the greatest gift.  We all learn from things that haven't worked and this is at the base of all inquiry and of course, learning together and from one another.  Our world, more than ever, requires this of all of us.  As we have more access to communicate globally, we have more responsibility to find answers in the company of others locally and around the world.

In becoming an MLA, I look forward to the opportunity to be able to foster this same atmosphere within the consituency of Calgary-Currie.  I want to raise the expectation of participation and challenge our constitents to question and learn with me.  I want to use knowledge from past mistakes and create an honest but caring constituency that is dedicated to public service.  I am ready to take the lead, roll up my sleeves and take these steps forward.  I will need your help to do this. 

I need your support if you are new to the political arena because I believe your voice can be heard. 

I need your support if you have been actively involved in our constituency-you are our history and by proxy, an important part of our future.

We have 4 goals over the course of time between now and election day.  How can you help?

• Garner our PC support and take an active part in VOTING for Christine Cusanelli to bring Calgary Currie back to it's PC bedrock.
• Advertise your committment to our party by PLACING SIGNS ON YOUR PROPERTY AND FINDING LOCATIONS in our constituency to declare that orange and blue is the true future voice of Currie in the Legislature.
• VOLUNTEERING on the C4 team:  Build relationships, be a part of something special.
• Make a FINANCIAL DONATION to the campaign right here on this blog site.  See the paypal button on the main page.  It's safe and simple!

Welcome to the campaign trail everyone! 

Christine

Happy Family Day!
In my life there is nothing more important than family, friends and community.
These are the building blocks of our society, and when we work at strengthening these bonds, we are actively building a better World.
It can be as simple as shovelling your neighbour's walk, or holding the door open for someone, or by starting the morning by making  a mango-banana smoothie for someone you love - my daughter's favourite thing!
As a School Principal, I have dedicated my professional life to creating advantages and brightening the future for the children of Calgary-Currie.
It goes beyond the children, though, and into the broader community.
I have always encouraged parents to get involved with the school, to actively participate, to ask questions, to make their ideas and opinions known.
This approach has helped our school improve its satisfaction survey rates among students, parents and teachers into the 90-plus per cent range, from the 60s four years ago when I first started.
This success is because of teamwork -  parents, teachers and students working together to make St. Michael a success.
I intend to bring that same approach to Calgary-Currie.
As the Progressive Conservative candidate for Calgary-Currie, I will reach out to all members of the community.
I am your  advocate, your conduit to the Alberta Legislature.
I will take the opinions and beliefs held by Calgary-Currie residents straight into government are aware of what you think and and what your priorities are.
To be able to do that,  I need your support.
There will be an election in April, and after eight years it's time to return Calgary-Currie to the PC Government fold.
If you want to become a part of our campaign, please contact me at cusanelli4currie@gmail.com
We have room for everybody, in our inclusive and welcoming C4 team (Christine Cusanelli for Calgary-Currie - C4).
If you have a question, or comment, please let me know.
I look forward to hearing from you, and working together to give Calgary-Currie meaningful representation.
-Christine

Thank-you!

Even now, I can still feel the excitement of last Saturday. I want to thank all of you for making it possible. It meant so much to me to see all of your smiles and to know all of the hard work we had done together leading up to the nomination vote. The support I received from your friends and neighbours is as much your success as it was mine and a sign of the respect they have for you. I am counting on your continued support in the upcoming provincial general election, so expect a call!

Thank you all again, and let’s keep moving towards bringing Calgary-Currie back to its PC home!

Talking About Issues In Calgary-Currie

Christine talks about issues in Calgary-Currie today with Global Television's Gary Bobrovitz.

An Interview With Christine

Meet C4, Then Give Her Your Vote!

There's another public forum coming up for Calgary-Currie, so if you missed last week's, don't worry.

On Saturday, January 28th, from 10:30 till noon, I will be with the other candidates who want to represent Calgary-Currie as the Progressive Conservative candidate in the next provincial election.

We will be meeting with residents of Currie at the Killarney-Glengarry Community Association and discussing issues of importance to the community.

At noon, voting will start, so you can actually maximize the use of your time. Come out and say hi - I would love to meet you and hear about your concerns - then stay and vote for me!

Friday's forum was very interesting. We had a good discussion on issues like health care and education.

There was also a question on provincial sales tax, and if it was time for Alberta to adopt one.

I was clear on Friday, and I will be clear here again - I am opposed to a sales tax.

Albertans don't want to pay more taxes, they want government to spend better, to spend more wisely.

Premier Alison Redford understands this, but also knows people want their core services - health, education, seniors, community safety - to be sustained at levels that support quality of life. The PC Government can achieve that balance of fiscal and social responsibility, and with your help I can be an earnest and effective advocate for Calgary-Currie in the Alberta Legislature.

So remember, this Saturday vote for C4! Christine Cusanelli for Calgary-Currie!

Nothing Happens Without Volunteers

Volunteering for Alison Redford during her campaign to become the leader of the Progressive Conservative Party made me realize just how much work gets done by volunteers. They're indispensable and I'm thankful for everyone who has donated their time to support me during my bid to become the PC nominee for Calgary Currie. Thank-you all!

More Pies For PC Calgary Currie

Pie For PC Calgary Currie Event

Brent Shervey, endorses Christine for Calgary Currie

I am very pleased to present the following kind words from Brent Shervey, a highly regarded political strategist, community builder, long-time active member of PC Alberta, former member of Peter Lougheed's office, and Calgary Currie constituent.

- Christine,

"I trusted Christine Cusanelli with my children.

Now I'm trusting her with the political future of my community.

As a teen she was smart, responsible and hard-working. She became a trusted babysitter and family friend.

She is now an accomplished professional - a Calgary Catholic School Principal, who is a proven leader and passionate about the community.

Christine is the kind of Progressive Conservative that will fit perfectly within the new kind of engaged governance Premier Alison Redford is implementing.

On January 28 from noon to 4 pm, please join me in voting Christine at the Killarney Glengarry Community Hall at 28 St. and 28 Ave. SW.

She is the kind of PC Calgary-Currie needs in the Alberta Legislature."

- Brent Shervey

Official Nomination Announcement

I am pleased to announce my official Progressive Conservative Candidacy for Calgary Currie.

Feel free to share this video with anyone who lives in Calgary Currie and you'll need a Progressive Conservative membership to vote ($5)

Voting is on January 28, between 12 - 4 PM, at the Killarney Glengarry Community Centre at 28th Avenue and 28th Street SW.

Vote for Christine Cusanelli as your PC nominee

Everyone has their own reasons to vote. Health care, senior’s care, education, the economy – there are endless reasons to register your concern by endorsing someone who can take your views forward.

The first ballot-box opportunity residents of Calgary-Currie have to send an effective advocate to the Alberta Legislature is January 28 at the Killarney Glengarry Community Centre, 28 Avenue and 28 Street SW.

I will be there, on the ballot, as a nominee to represent Calgary-Currie for Premier Alison Redford’s Progressive Conservatives in the next provincial election.

There is a palpable feeling in Calgary and across Alberta that we are on the cusp of change. Premier Redford tapped into that sentiment during her leadership campaign, and was chosen as an Agent of Change by Albertans.

We are Conservatives, and we are Progressive.

We have a new leader who is signaling a new way of doing things – a new way of engaging voters, a new and cooperative way of working in partnership with the rest of Canada, without losing our identity or giving up what is important to Albertans.

I am a School Principal at St. Michael School and have served as an Agent of Change in my school community. Together with the team at St. Michael, we worked hard to change how we engage with students, with parents, and with the community.

We reached out, and the community, parents, and students reached back.

Now I want to take that spirit of cooperation, innovation, and growth to the Alberta Legislature.

Calgary-Currie deserves an MLA who will listen to what they have to say, and effectively present that message to government.

I decided to run for public office because I like what Premier Redford represents.

During the leadership race I hosted then-leadership candidate Redford in my home, and brought together a group of educators and others to hear what Alison had to say.

I believe her vision is the right one for Alberta, and I want to be part of the solutions for success going forward.

To do that, I need your help.

On January 28, vote for me, Christine Cusanelli.

All you need is a 2012 PC membership ($5 cost), and to be at the Killarney Glengarry Community Centre between 12-4 PM to cast your ballot.

If you want more information or need help buying or renewing your membership, send us a note at cusanelli4currie@gmail.com.

Thanks, and I promise, give me your support and I will never stop earning it.

Christine 

Vote for Christine Cusanelli!

Christine Cusanelli For Calgary Currie

New Year, New Futures

Happy New Year.


It’s now officially 2012, and so far we have had a winter unlike any I have ever experienced here in Alberta.


I’m not complaining – snow and cold are something I’m used to, and I can even enjoy the cold season, but really I’ll take the comparatively balmy weather anytime.


For me, the New Year is a time of renewal and regeneration.


I typically look at the year that was, to take stock of what I’ve learned and what I’ve accomplished. Then I look to the year ahead, and decide what I want to focus on. 


I don’t make resolutions, exactly, but I enjoy a challenge, and the beginning of the year is a good time to gird yourself for change.


I expect 2012 to be a year of challenges for me.


I have been involved on the periphery of politics for some time, but decided it’s time to bring my skill set to a more active role.


The best way to do that is to win a seat in the legislature, so I am seeking the nomination for Calgary-Currie.


As I said, the New Year is a time of renewal, and it occurs to me that that is what is happening within the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada.


As Premier Redford has said, the leadership election brought a lot of attention to the party, and motivated tens of thousands of people to get involved in positive change.


That positive change is barreling ahead and the PC Party of Alberta continues to be the best choice for progressive leadership for the 21st Century.


It’s my goal to represent the citizens of Calgary-Currie at the provincial government level.
Please help me reach that goal, by coming out to vote on Jan 28 at the Killarney Glengarry Community Centre, 28 Ave and 28 St SW.


And may 2012 be wonderful and prosperous for all of you.