Taft consulted extensively with the Alberta Ministry Responsible for Seniors from 1991 to 1993, an experience that prompted him to write his first book, "Shredding the Public Interest", in 1997. In it, Taft challenged the provincial government's claims that spending on public services was soaring. The book was reviewed nationally, and became a bestseller. "Shredding the Public Interest" placed Taft in the public eye, and cemented his reputation as a government critic. The book generated province-wide debate, attracting public criticism and avid defenders. Premier Klein publicly called Taft a communist, and suggested he should run for political office if he felt he had enough support. "Shredding the Public Interest" topped local bestseller charts and appeared on national bestselling charts as well. It remained on the Financial Post's national bestseller list for 14 weeks, and was named Trade Book of the Year by the Alberta Book Publishers' Association in 1998.