Kings County Citizens Want a Mayor

Have your heard that two of three Kings County residents have a strong preference for electing a Mayor for Kings County in 2016? Consultants surveyed 386 randomly selected residents this fall and found people want to elect a Mayor, even though they were informed that once the switch to Mayor is made there is no way to revert to the Warden system.

This could mean that when county voters head to the polls in October, 2016, they will be marking their ballot with a choice for Mayor as well as a choice for councillor. In other words, the people, not councillors, will choose who will lead and represent the county.

A citizen initiated petition, delivered to council in October, also showed strong support (600 plus signatures) for electing a Mayor for Kings County. Pierre Clouthier, a resident of New Minas, presented the petition results. He used a graphic of a horse and buggy to illustrate why it is now possible to leave the “outdated” Warden system behind.

When Kings County was incorporated in 1879 and Kentville was incorporated in 1886, counties elected Wardens and towns elected Mayors. 

Why? According to Clouthier reasons were practical and related to travel constraints. It was the time of horses and buggies and rutted roads. It was therefore impossible for Mayoral candidates to campaign in all areas of the county. 

Towns didn't have this geographic problem so residents were given the advantage of electing their own Mayor. More than 100 years later, with cars, faster mail, and social media, county candidates for Mayor can campaign county wide.

The most negative opinion I heard at one of the public consultation meetings about the current Warden system was this... Becoming a Warden can push people to “make backroom deals”. Once a simple majority of councillors is drawn to a Warden a voting block can be produced. Agendas can then be controlled and perks provided to those districts represented by members of said voting block.

In contrast, a successful Mayor must put a platform before voters. A Mayor provides an independent leader who, once elected, is responsible to all residents, more so than councillors. More transparent representation and fairer application of the general taxpayer's dollar may have a better chance.

Fewer districts are also likely to be recommended by the consultant based on survey results. Council will vote on the number of districts, 8-10 (versus the current 11 districts), as well as the change to a Mayor (versus remaining with a Warden) no later than mid January. Council's decision will then be further examined, approved or adjusted by the Utility and Review Board. Please do not hesitate to be in touch if you have any questions or comments.

Kings County Residents are saying: “Leave Warden System Behind” and many are inclined to reduce the number of councillors too. 

Please do not hesitate to be in touch if you have questions about this or any other council or community issue. 902.670.2949.