Monday 30 May 2016

Kings 2050 Completion in February 2017

Your county's Municipal Planning Strategy and Land Use Bylaw will not be approved during this sitting of council.

It's been a long journey, marked by controversy with other municipal units, resignations by senior planning staff (who played a key role in consultations and the drafting of the original document), deep dissatisfaction voiced by the Kings County Federation of Agriculture after a sneak preview of a new draft's contents, and a letter of concern from the Minister of Municipal Affairs.


Delays are often frustrating. And the 2050 work aimed at replacing the current MPS/LUB with a regional planning document has been several years in the making. 


However, "a thing worth doing is worth doing well". From my perspective the current documents provide stronger protection of our agricultural land and economy that the draft currently before us so I'm happy to see it remain until a council can put stronger, not weaker, legislation in place. Slowing the process will allow the public to be able to : "read, discuss, and communicate with council our opinions on their contents," to quote Allan Melvin, President of the Kings County Federation of Agriculture.


The proposed timeline has just been released. And motions aimed at having discussions behind closed doors between staff and council have been amended to include the full participation of the public. 


The latest draft maps are coming in a week or two (early June) and a final reading by the next sitting group of councillors is slated for February 2017. Meanwhile, you can have your say at various times in the proposed schedule. It's important that you do.




Sunday 29 May 2016

Calling Municipal Candidates October 15, 2016

We are still waiting for a decision from Nova Scotia Utilities and Review Board on the number and boundaries of districts that the County of Kings will have in this fall's election. Meanwhile, local citizens, including me are thinking about whether or not they will be a candidate. To date, only one councillor has formally declared he will be a candidate for a district. Peter Muttart is the first declared candidate for Mayor.  

I've been your district councillor for almost 4-years. In 2012, I ran because I believed it was crucial to have new ideas and more decision-making skills in council chambers. I hadn't previously imagined a stint for me “in politics”. I have been told several times that I will never be a politician. With all that could imply, I think that's a compliment.

But, a conscious decision to not re-offer is a key way to encourage others to step forward. I am willing to discuss the responsibilities of the councillor job with anyone who:
  • can offer a sound set of skills.
  • would consider becoming a hard-working councillor.
  • recognizes the need for bold actions in Kings County to protect the economy of our agricultural base.
  • Understands the role of small, sustainable businesses in growing jobs and keeping young families here.

My perspective in 2012, after watching county council for several years was that more hard-working people, willing to put their shoulder to the wheel, were needed. That is still my position. We don't need “seat-holders” ready to “hang in” for yet another term, we need hard-workers, with the time and commitment to serve their communities.

I entered council chambers in 2012 after a hard won battle against a family that had represented District 3 for more than 20-years and took a seat among councillors who had returned to add 4-more years to their 22-years plus as councillors.

In 2016, it is even more evident that new ideas and more diversity on our council is needed. I ask myself, “Why would I run for one of only 8 or 9 council seats?” 

I truly value the experiences I've had working with community groups and individuals to help create a better Kings County with some improvement of service for every part of the county. There have been many frustrations in chambers trying to ensure fair decisions, more efficient services, and an equitable distribution of resources. There is much more to do. The need for a different approach than “horse-trading” among the “good ole girls and boys” is key to arriving at better decisions and a more effective local government.

Hey there, younger generation, is some-one ready to run?”

There is a lot of cynicism about the political process. My time behind closed doors, and even in open chambers leads me to believe the public's cynicism is well-earned. It is up to those choosing to run for office to commit to better ways. 

Peter Muttart, as the first declared candidate for Mayor of Kings County, has been a sitting councillor since only last fall. I believe he has the leadership and mediation skills required to ensure council and staff provide a higher standard of service. If a great set of councillors join him in chambers I believe much can be done, and relatively quickly, to improve “county politics”.

If I run for a second term it will be for one more term only. If returned, that would be a total of eight years. Long enough, in my opinion, to bring the best you have to offer. 

Whether in council chambers or not for the next 4-years, I am hoping for a wind to blow away the old dysfunctional ways of doing business this council has long been famous for. An elected Mayor, a collaborative, forward thinking and fair-minded set of councillors can make Kings County all it can and should be.


In a chat with Peter Muttart last week I learned that people are approaching him to ask about the kind of council that is possible. He is happy to discuss this with potential candidates and can be reached at 902.670.6429.

Those contemplating a run for council can find a Municipal Elections Handbook and a Candidate's Guide to Municipal Elections on line.

Please do not hesitate to give me a call at 902.670.2949 if you have any questions or wish to get together to talk about a run for municipal council.