Nova Scotia Moves --- Keep your fingers crossed

The Province of Nova Scotia fast-tracked a grants and contributions program at the end of 2012.

Nova Scotia Moves is a pilot project with higher than usual contribution levels --- up to $200,000 --- as a 50% contribution from the province.  The municipal or local level must contribute 25-50% of the cost (in-kind or hard cash). 

With only weeks to apply before the first deadline of December 21 --- greater weight was attributed to: "projects or program expansions that are ready for implementation."

At a preliminary meeting a decision was made for County of Kings staff to work quickly with Kentville, New Minas and Wolfville to put together an application to improve active transportation on the old railroad bed that will link Wolfville to Kentville when completed.  The Keiran Pathways Society was designated as a key partner with New Minas as the applicant. 

This society has been the champion of active transportation in the Annapolis Valley.  Its members have generously provided research, policy directives and practical advice.  Another example of how integral volunteers are to the quality of life here in Kings County.

The application was completed and submitted by the deadline. Now we all need to keep our fingers crossed and wait for a successful outcome when the application is considered.  Since part of the work must be completed by March 31, 2013, news is expected soon.  Another application deadline is expected early in 2013.

By-Elections in 2 Kings County Districts

Judge Warner in a 24-page ruling has declared the 2012 elections for the position of municipal councillor for District 8 and 11 of the Municipality of the County of Kings void.

In light of incumbents not having to resign their seats on committees during an election period, Justice Warner posed a rhetorical question:

“What mischief is remedied by having volunteers seek a leave of absence?”

A report on the municipality's next steps with respect to special elections (by-elections) will be coming to the January 8, 2013 meeting of Council.

My hope is that the by-elections will be held sooner, rather than later, to ensure that citizens in these two districts are duly and properly represented.

Click here if to read local coverage of the ruling.

Click here if you would like to read the ruling.

We Won't Forget

On Sunday, November 11, hundreds of people, old, young and in-between, stood at the Kentville cenotaph to solemnly remember.  Laying a wreath on behalf of the residents of Kings County was my first official duty.  Then a solemn procession of family members came forward to lay wreaths for their own loved ones.

Each year brings change to yet another family of a veteran.  Time, like soldiers, marches on.  Fathers, mothers, grandmothers and grandfathers who served die.  This year my daughter-in-law Monique Harvie’s beloved grandfather Frank Harvie died.  She and her sister Nicole laid a wreath in his memory. I was honoured to attend the ceremony in their company along with Edna, Frank’s widow.

All of our WWI veterans are now gone, but we are still blessed to have some WWII veterans with us. Their presence at cenotaph brings the reality of war into a sharper, more personal focus.  They represent, in person, the generation that sacrificed, survived, died and were scarred by the horror of it all.

To them we promise that when they are gone, as all the WWI vets now are: “We won’t forget.” The work of each elected representative is possible because of the democracy you protected on our behalf. When I sit at the council table I will remain ever mindful of the privilege you extended to me, and to all of us, to participate in a living, breathing democracy.

Pond in need of protection and care

Residents on North Aldershot Road have a beautiful natural pond on their road.  It should be a haven for wildlife and birds.  

When I took this shot in late afternoon it was beautiful.  As long as you didn't look too closely.  

This pond has been a dumping ground for a wide variety of unwanted things, up to and including a motor bike.  

Residents say they don't receive the help or attention required when it is used as a "dumping pond." That's why they routinely haul things out of this pond themselves.

Would a monitoring device help detect and/or prevent this form of illegal dumping?  And what can be done to restore the pond to better health?  Two questions a councillor can help answer in a bid to find a solution to this ongoing problem.

Growing spinach 49-weeks of the year using NS solar. Honestly.

This county never ceases to amaze me.  This afternoon I dropped in on Ronald Muis on my way down Lakewood Road in Steam Mill.  It was a biting day.  Lots of wind, lots of bright sun, a real chilly one.

I noticed several large low-slung greenhouses in his backyard.  I soon learned that Ronald Muis grows spinach.  In abundance.  And, that last year there were only 3-weeks in the dead of winter when the greenhouses weren't producing.  Ronald sells nearly all his spinach to retailers at the Halifax farm markets.

When I stepped inside it was warm and cozy---a sharp contrast to the temperature outside.  These greenhouses really solely on passive solar heat that flows through the plastic to the soil and plants.  Amazing.  The spinach in this photo is 3-weeks old.  At the far end of the greenhouse a smaller patch of arugula is also growing.

Greenhouses are something I really love.  The smell of them reminds me of taking my 2 toddlers strolling in the afternoon up the road in Greenwich for a visit with Judd and Charlie Pulsifer at their greenhouses.  They loved to see things planted and growing.  I've feeling thankful tonight for the skill of people like Mr. Muis.  We're blessed to have people in our community  who can make so much great stuff grow... Come rain...Come shine.

The privilege of meeting you on the campaign trail

The blessing of doing the work of being a candidate is meeting special people along the way. What other job allows you to knock on every door on a street and speak with your neighbours about the things that matter most to you and to them?  

As I tidy up my desk, reply to emails, and write this blog, I am reminded to give thanks today for those who made me smile, who made me laugh and who demonstrated their support in oh so many ways.  Invitations for me and my campaign workers to step into your homes and out of the rain speaks to the generosity of spirit that exists here in District 3.  I thank each and everyone of you. 

I am also mindful that over the past few weeks I have seen the heartbreak that some of you cope so bravely with. Separation from loved ones when home care is no longer possible is more than tough.  I hope this night brings a restful sleep to everyone I met today.  I sure need that and I'm sure many of you do too!  Tonight may bring dreams of the beautiful and huge carvings I saw today.  You just never know what you will discover on the campaign trail but each day seems to hold a wonderful surprise or two.

Raven's responses to the Chamber of Commerce

Each candidate has been asked to provide 150-word answers to nine questions posed by the Annapolis Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Here are my answers.  The AVCC hopes to publish responses from all Kings and Annapolis County candidates by October 1.

Do you think Kings County or Annapolis County is “open for business”?

To earn the label “open for business” Kings County needs to actively identify, attract and/or welcome new businesses and consumers. Council recently cancelled funds for the Kings County Regional Development Agency in reaction to the federal government’s cutback to local economic development initiatives─an undeserved and unwise move.  This agency helped win the Grand Pre UNESCO world heritage designation─a major boost for Kings tourism. It also negotiated collaboration between the county and towns’ planners for new businesses.

Businesses that can create profit levels sufficient to locate here, stay here, and pay taxes serve their own needs but also the public interest.  These “good businesses” are the type we need to open our doors to. They enhance our commercial tax base, create stable jobs, and provide good wages. They will keep, or bring back, Kings County children from those places where such jobs do exist.  If such jobs are elsewhere─why not here?

What could the county do to improve conditions for small businesses?

Creating clarity is job one. Kings County needs a predetermined support package for establishing or expanding businesses.  Business owners don’t like─and should not have to deal with ambiguity. Ambiguity makes financial planning and borrowing unnecessarily difficult.  Common sense, solid regulations, not red tape, should be our guide.  The county also needs to improve services to small businesses by listening to the voices of experience─small businessmen and women. 

Small business correctly condemns “rescue millions” to “off-shore companies” whose business plans/models result in a recurrent need for government’s financial support.  Small businesses are a better investment in general and the county needs to be a stronger advocate with the province in this regard. I also believe tax incentives must be tied to wage scales/benefits for new businesses.  Clearly those that bring good, stable jobs deserve more support from our tax base than those that employ a minimum wage workforce.

Mink farming is becoming a contentious issue in some neighbourhoods. Do regulations around raising mink need to be changed?

I have limited knowledge of the mink industry other than it presents significant opportunities for economic growth in other counties.   There, fisheries by-products provide a food source to the ranches, industry is relatively unregulated and its expansion has been hotly debated. Mink sewage attracts flies, smells, and has resulted in some mink farms becoming labeled “bad neighbours.”  It appears more stringent regulation is under development and mink farmers have collaborated in this endeavour.  

Additional good news is that provincial and federal funds have been invested to develop ecological uses for minks’ liquid and solid waste.  There is also a growing, stable, profitable market for mink. Demand exceeds supply.  I support the introduction of mink ranches here if they are regulated and operate with solid humane and ecological standards.  Before expansion of this industry we must “have our ducks in a row” so ranches will be in the best neighbour category.

What role do large-scale wind turbines have in the Valley’s future?

Industrial wind turbine development has been suspended in Kings. I support that. When it’s re-addressed a full scale consultation is promised.  It’s now time for us to turn our attention to developing a green energy plan that’s a good fit for all of us.  I believe alternatives to “big wind” will provide better, longer term economic value.  We can look at best practices regarding green energy in rural communities around the globe and adapt those to our particular needs. Doing this in close consultation with citizens, small businesses, and community organizations will make us successful. Many residents and businesses are engaged on both sides of this debate.  Together we can create a custom plan that suits who we are, where we are.  We need to take a close look at do-able smaller-scale strategies to help our residents reduce their energy costs thus benefiting us rather than “big wind.”

Do you think the level of municipal taxation in the county is fair in relation to the level of services offered?

Certainly not in many areas of North Kentville. There, homes paying regular tax rates see county water lines by-pass their homes.  Residents living on Z-roads cannot get their roads graded or sand-sealed.  Busy, narrow residential streets are dilapidated… Sidewalks are absent… Children are in danger.  It’s been a mess for “long many a year” with no-one paying any attention to requests for help.  At the same time our county wastes, on my estimate, at least 10% of our annual $40Million municipal tax base on unnecessary expenditures. 

Developers/builders find council services incompatible with their needs…Too quick to tax before building begins… Too slow to provide inspection services once building has begun… Ready to create obstacles… Slow in providing solutions.  We need to abolish the residential taxes that must be paid by developers on building lots once a subdivision is approved until such time as a house is begun and/or completed.

Is there enough industrial land available at this time? How could any perceived deficit be addressed?

The RDA and CBCL consultants recently produced recommendations regarding industrial sites (Kings County recently de-funded the RDA).  It is my understanding that several optional sites are noted all relatively close to Highway 101 and serving Kings County from East to West. 

My perspective is that industrial growth, for both regulatory and infrastructure efficiency, is best located in a few rather than many locations and in closer rather than further proximity to the main highway.  This has the additional benefit of fewer residential neighbourhoods being located close to industrial sites or being passed through by heavy traffic.  The next council will have to make sound decisions regarding approval of sites.  Three or four could be the best balance to ensure that residents who work at sites do not have long distances to travel to access the jobs located there.

Agricultural land zoning has generated long and difficult debates over the past decade in Kings County. What do you think the county should do to balance protecting farmland and encouraging development?

Farming is the heart and soul of who we are in Kings County.  The health of this county is defined by what we do to preserve farmland for future farmers. 

Supporting farmers in the work they do means buying local for many of us. That’s not enough. Council must work harder to convince the province to act on the recommendations of the Agricultural Land Review Committee. Those recommendations should already be leading us toward a stronger farm economy.

I initiated and helped organize the first annual event to raise money for the Annapolis Valley Farmland Trust.  Over 200 people attended.  The trust’s focus is purchasing easements from farmers who want to retire so land remains in the agricultural district. My commitment is to the strongest protection possible for farmland.  Opening doors to farmland development is counter-intuitive to preservation. The current council has not appreciated that concept, the next council must.

What are your thoughts with respect to aquaculture in the Bay of Fundy?

I am strongly opposed to aquaculture in the Bay of Fundy where a profitable, historical and sustainable lobster fishery exists and the flow of wild Atlantic salmon to our rivers is beginning to recover.  Independent research shows that open aquaculture is a fraught with serious problems.

On the other hand, land-based fish farming holds great economic possibilities for Kings County.  Sustainable Blue is located only 45-minutes from Kings County in Centre Burlington, Hants County.  There, fish are raised using proprietary water treatment technology.  The marketplace is proving to be ready for fresh disease free, drug free, organic salmon and other species.  This company’s product is sold in advance of its readiness for market.  This is the kind of aquaculture needed in Kings County.  Safe.  Sustainable. Innovative. 

When we find things that we cannot/should not do, council has a responsibility to lead with regard to what we can do.

What is your personal stand on the issue of cell towers in the county?

Increasingly more residents in the county are relying on cell phones as their primary means of communications.  Businesses are more mobile and more efficient because of cell phone technology.  We need a dependable network of cell towers to provide effective service.

However, caution needs to be taken with regard to the location of cell phone towers.  The scientific community is divided on the potential impacts of the type of radiation emitted by cell towers. However, it is widely accepted that adverse effects are not significant for most people.  Kings County needs to work with cell tower owners to negotiate locations that place towers at distances from homes and work sites that exceed the minimum guidelines.

Democracy lives everywhere

We made it that way on purpose.

We made is so that we would always get the best candidates possible—no matter what. Money wouldn’t matter, or gender, or skin colour, or who you knew, or where you went to church—or, where you lived. To let any of that matter wouldn’t be democratic. It would sell us all short. It would deny us access to all the best we had. It would limit our chances to give ourselves the best government we could get. The more we limit where a candidate lives—the more we limit getting the best people into government.  It could be the best person lives right next door.  Or it could be they live further. The current MP for Kings County lives in Hants. In Kings County we judge him by the quality of his representation of our needs—not by his locality.

When who could run where was setup—it was because we wanted the quality of the candidate to matter most. We didn’t want to limit our choices because of things that didn’t really matter when it came to getting quality representation.  We wanted to encourage rather than discourage people to engage in the democracy our veterans fought and died to defend. We wanted to open the way to people who were ready, willing, able and eager to keep our democracy alive and well. 

It is in that spirit that I became a candidate in District 3—even though I live next door to it, not in it.  I know this matters to some people. I wish it didn’t. I think it sells us all short. But I know it does matter to some. 

Nobody lives in “District 3”

I find it curious the current councillor is making such a big issue of where I live. I’d have far rather had a public debate of the truly big issues District 3 is facing, but he wouldn’t do that.  But since it is being raised as a key issue here’s what I would like to say “publicly” on my blog.

When you think about it—nobody lives in District 3—not all of it.  Everybody lives in some particular spot. My spot happens to be in Delhaven, less than 9 kilometres from where District 3 starts. The current District 3 Councillor lives in Halls Harbour. It’s one locality at the extreme end of a district that runs 18 long kilometres from the Fundy shore to North Kentville. In fact I live closer to some parts of District 3 than the current Councillor.

Halls Harbour is not all of District 3. No more than Centreville is, or Steam Mill, Foleaze Park, Gibson Woods, Aldershot, North Kentville, Huntington Point, or Lakeville. They are all very different places, all inside the borders of District 3, but not one of them is “District 3”—the whole place, every road, neighbourhood, house and apartment. That’s the GPS truth of it.

The district includes many self-defined communities and neighbourhoods; some large and some just three or four homes in a row; each locality, street and road with its own particular interests, issues and concerns; some alike, some as different as chalk from cheese. It is a real job of work for anyone to plug into all of it. But that’s what a councilor is supposed to do.

The current councillor says that living all those long kilometres away from so many of the people he represents did not stop him from doing his job. He’s right. It isn’t where he lives that makes him a good or bad representative. Anymore than where I live will.

Other things matter much, much more—beginning with a real desire to represent all parts of the district, without ever playing political games or favourites, or neglecting some folks and their concerns.  I’ll make sure democracy always lives everywhere in District 3.  I will do that as your councillor.

• I will be in touch; stay in touch; be answerable and make a constant effort. I will:
• Always remember being a councilor is a real job with a pay cheque that must be earned before it’s cashed.
• Know the who, why and wherefore of the issues and concerns that are important in every locality in District 3;
• Keep people in the know about council business and make a habit of asking people what’s most important to them;
• Always be ready, willing and able to explain to the people who elected me why I did what I did;

In short, my plan is to work hard and long to raise the quality of representation in District 3.

Quality not locality

I believe when it comes to representation quality matters more than locality. Good representation has nothing to do with where you live. It has everything to do with what you believe in and are ready to go to bat for. I will honour the trust voters give me. I have the courage to not become “another one of those politicians” that people on the doorstep are saying is makes them not vote at all.

My record shows I have never been content to go whichever way the wind blows. My record shows I work hard to make a success of whatever I endeavour to do.  That’s the truth of good representation.

Living in Delhaven doesn’t diminish that truth. Living in Halls Harbour doesn’t enhance it. I promise each and every person in District 3 the very best quality of representation I can deliver.  I am asking you, the voter, for that chance.

Cats and good neighbours

On the campaign trail today I had an interesting discussion about animal control and the issue of cats and bird feeders.  Our cat "Sweetie Pie" is an indoor cat, largely because my hubby is an avid bird lover, but also because cars tend to travel at a fast clip along our road (and I like to have company in my office).

Our feeders attract mourning doves, bluejays, a family of five crows, gold finches, chickadees and song sparrows.  Never a cardinal --- like the feeder belonging to the gentleman I spoke with today.  

He loves his birds.  He's thrilled to have cardinals.  He doesn't care so much for cats that use his feeder as a fast-food take away.

So a shout out to everyone who has a cat as well as neighbours who feed birds.  Might be a good idea to either keep your cat indoors, or well-fed, so it is less inclined to hunt.  A good neighbour is, after all, worth one heck of a lot. It's something we can all aspire to be.

Danger zone for kids, seniors and the disabled

Tucked between Nichols Road and Highway 359, McKittrick Road is not just a street, it’s a neighbourhood.  Trish Robicheau lives there. She works there too.  Her garage has been lovingly converted to accommodate her small business: photosbytrish.  From what I saw her portrait and wedding photography is as good as it gets.

But her camera of late has been focused on her street.  Or, what’s left of it.

Lots of us in Kings County have our own deep holes.  We ignore them at our peril.  The only thing these potholes are good for is business at the local garage.  We are all too often putting extra repairs on our cars based on nasty encounters with potholes.

But the condition of McKittrick Road represents other, more important hazards... This short little street is just around the corner from Aldershot Elementary. And , every child on this street walks to school.  

Walking to school is great exercise in a time when we are all encouraging our kids to get active!  But, when kids walk here there’s a big risk involved:

Firstly, the pavement is narrow --- two cars can barely pass; 2. Shoulders are in pitiful condition; 3. There’s no sidewalk; 4. Buses regularly travel this road to take the bused children from other neighbourhoods back and forth to school; 5. The middle of the road no pass signs are barely visible; 6. I didn't see any "children playing" or "drive slow" signs.

What can be done?  Our MLA Jim Morton could help get this road closer to the top of the provincial list for repairs.  The slogans of “School Zone Safety” and “Paying Less Means Paving More” on our government’s website gives lovely photos of children on well-maintained roads with curbs.

A rosy picture.  Not at all what children, the disabled and seniors are experiencing on McKittrick Road.

I know our MLA cares about kids and families.  Fixing this road isn’t a big ask from Jim Morton of his friends in cabinet.  The road is only a few hundred metres long.  I'd bet it represents a relatively small cost compared to jobs ready to roll.   

All of us in Kings North need to ask Jim if he is already working on this.  If so, can he speed things up!  Jim’s phone number is 678-6880. It’s time for the HONOURABLE MAURICE G SMITH who looks after our roads to step in and resolve this dangerous situation.  Stopping a likely tragedy means acting sooner rather than later.

Let's help Trish and her neighbours by picking up our phones or emailing jimmorton@kingsnorthmla.ca

A message to the voters in District 3E about wind turbines

I’ve been asked by residents living on Route 359 to further clarify my position on wind turbines in their neighbourhood. 

Many of you know that the current council recently protected our neighbourhoods by indefinitely suspending the use of wind turbines in Kings County.  This over-ruled a previous decision to allow wind turbines. 

I support the council’s current position.  I believe our time would be better used now to consider and put in place other strategies for reducing our need for fossil fuels.  A green energy plan for Kings County is well overdue and something we can start working on together. 

We can identify ways to not only green our homes and communities but also create ongoing local employment on a smaller, sustainable, and manageable scale.  If you have your own thoughts about what you would include in a green energy plan – please send them along.

Thoughts on a few key things...

This morning I was in the Centreville Community Hall parking lot by 7:30AM to offer a card with contact information to the hungry folks arriving for breakfast.  At the breakfast table I was asked a number of questions that all voters deserve an answer to.  Thanks for everyone for taking the time to talk.  

Here, in writing, are my perspectives on a few key questions. I hope these provide some insights until my campaign literature arrives in your mailbox or until you have a chance to meet me on the doorstep.

Why am I a candidate in the District 3 Kings County Municipal Election?

I believe in democracy. That means I believe in always giving people a choice. The folks in District 3 weren’t going to get a choice. They were going to have to like it or lump it for four more years because no one was running against the current councillor. That made my choice clear. I would have to get into the race in District 3 myself.  I soon found I was not alone in believing that an election is central to keeping democracy strong. Even with my late decision I had no trouble getting 11 residents across the district to sign my nomination papers.  Keeping democracy alive and well in District 3 is now about letting people choose who will represent them based on the issues and the skills of each candidate.

Why do I want to be on council?

I want to represent citizens the way I want to be represented, with honesty, trust and careful consideration of what is the “right thing to do.”

I take my politics seriously. I make an effort to be a good citizen, to get informed, to regularly go to council meetings and observe how we are governed.  At council it has not been a pretty picture.  Kings County Council clearly needs a shake-up.

In 2010 an independent consultant’s report tagged this council “dysfunctional” and targeted the constant pursuit of “personal agendas” as a big part of the problem.  We deserve better government than that. 

I’m running to be part of a new, vastly improved council. One that can help us achieve what is best for all of us.

What do I think will be the key issues for Kings County to face in the next four years?

Holding the line on taxes… That doesn’t just mean “fiscal restraint” — it can also mean using the money that we do have better. Call it smart spending.  It’s what we all do when money is short at home. Council needs to do a lot more of this.

Becoming a winning team… As part of a new council I will bring a full measure of good will and a focus on teamwork: teamwork at the council chambers, with the towns and villages and with you. We can move forward together if we open ourselves to truly collaborative ways of thinking and doing.

Building a brand new municipal complex, or not… This is a good example that marries the need for holding the line on taxes and smart spending.  It’s a hot issue right now.  Should council build a new municipal “complex” or should we retrofit the current building in downtown Kentville.  How much would a retrofit cost? A big cost—but not as big as building a whole new building—not these days! When did government ever do anything that came in on budget and on time? I think council needs to put a tight rein on this idea of a new complex or we may end up with a runaway horse.  Besides, many of our community halls need retrofitting too. I just can’t see a spanking new municipal building while our citizens struggle to heat and maintain the places that bring their communities together.  It would be like one relative living in a swanky mansion while their loved ones struggle to keep a modest roof over their heads.

Wind turbines, or not… The council decision to approve wind turbines blew up a storm of protest. When councillors found themselves in the eye of that storm—they cancelled their initial decision.  Does this demonstrate a functioning democracy or councillors asleep at the wheel?  Guess it’s a bit of both.

There is no doubt we need a green energy plan for Kings County. But it has to be one that fits for all of us.  That doesn’t mean we have to re-invent the wheel.  We can look at best practices in other communities around the globe and adapt those to our particular needs.  This must be done in consultation with citizens, small businesses, and community organizations. Many are already well-informed and ready to help create a custom plan that suits who we are, where we are. There are do-able small-scale strategies that would create long term local employment, reduce the energy costs for all our households and help wean us off fossil fuels.

Re-growth and new growth for our farm economy… Farming is, was, and I hope always will be, the heart and soul of who we are and what we do in Kings County.  A defining issue for us is what we will do to preserve and protect farmland for the farmers yet to be.

The concept of an Annapolis Valley Farmland Trust is to buy land from farmers who want to retire.  The land can then remain part of the agricultural district rather than being lost to development. I am proud to say that I initiated and helped organize the first annual event to raise money for the trust.  Over 200 people attended. 

My commitment to the strongest protection possible for farmland remains.  My concern that all farmers are supported in the important work they do to produce our food fuels me to buy local produce at every opportunity and to ask others to do likewise.  I will be urging the next council to work hard to convince the provincial government to act on the recommendations of the Agricultural Land Review Committee.  Those recommendations should already be leading us forward and strengthening our farm economy here in Kings County.

One Woof of a Success…

Pineo’s Dog Spaw is a Centreville success story in more ways than one. 

What immediately came to mind when I began taking my border collies there to be groomed was that a building that had stood empty for some time has been successfully re-purposed.  On visits over the years the business became more and more impressive with the addition of a busy daycare for dogs and then boarding kennels.

Owner Amy Pineo was in my daughter-in-law’s wedding party last July.  She’s optimistic about the future and no wonder.  

This thriving business now employs several people right here in district 3 and it was built by Amy before she reached the age of 30!

Governments talk about ways to increase youth employment, while young women like Amy are actually creating it one small business at a time.  

I learned today that the youngest candidate in this municipal election is Emma Van Rooyen, District 2.  She’s 26-years old, and an Acadia graduate.

The contributions of this generation to our communities cannot be over-estimated.  

Emma's thinking that a municipal youth advisory committee for council could be established.  Just think, a Kings County Youth Advisory Committee with a 26-year old councillor as its Chair.  

I sure hope Emma will be sitting in council chambers after October 20.  What a thrill it would be to see this happen.  

I'll be at the Centreville Community Breakfast tomorrow morning.  Hope to see you there.

Beautiful… Bountiful… Creative District 3

Today I was out and about in District 3.  My father and mother-in-law were in tow as they are here (from Riverview, NB) for a family wedding that will happen on Saturday.  They used to live in District 3.  Dad (Watson Cudmore) used to run the Co-op Feed Mill in New Minas.  He now has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t drive any more.  Mum (Shirley Cudmore) just doesn’t like to drive.  Being a passenger is what she is used to.  So they were happy to be chauffeured around while I began to put my campaign in order and visit some District 3 homes. 

First stop…  Shop for campaign supplies… Second stop… Pickup more business cards from printer.  Third stop…Twoonies and Loonies (Mum had forgot her rollers). Third stop… quick trip to the hospital to visit Dr. Charlie Brown (he’s had surgery, is looking great and is going home tomorrow).  

Mum, Dad and I then drove polling district 3A, B and C.  On McKittrick Avenue I visited a very interesting and yet to be inhabited home!

 

Whoever is building this is building with careful attention to detail and with a loving touch.  I wish the owners had been around.  I would have loved to find out more about this unusual home.  And, of course, I would have loved to ask the builders to vote for me, if they are residents of District 3. 

By 4:30 Mum and Dad were back at our place and I was meeting with a key supporter of my campaign in Steam Mill.  “E-day minus 37” (election-speak for 37 days left for my team to campaign before you get to vote in this municipal election) still had one key component left to go.  

From 7 to 9:30 I joined about 25 people to watch a showing of the “Salmon Wars” at the Fundy View Community Hall in Halls Harbour.  Narrated by Nova Scotia’s own Silver Donald Cameron it tells the story of how salmon are being “factory farmed” in our oceans at great cost to the lobster fishery and wild salmon. 

What did Salmon Wars show?  That independent science can be trumped by the cards played by mega-business.  That elected representatives say one thing before they are elected and do something entirely different once they are in office.  If elected I hope any disappointments for those who elected me will be minor, especially in regard to preserving our environment.