In mid September I received this
question via email from a resident who drives professionally for a living: “I'm
wondering why there are not Crosswalk Lights at the crosswalk at the
Importantly, the school grounds with their recently improved equipment are a favourite spot in the evening hours when visibility can be poor.
Later he explained that as far
as he was concerned past decisions had led to crosswalks in places that aren’t so
crucial while more dangerous spots were not being attended to.
We are all aware of the
provincially mandated decrease in speed limits for school zones when children are present. You may also have driven by the speed
monitors at the approach to the
In early October, after
polling other councillors, I drafted a request for agenda time to bring this discussion
to council chambers. A county wide
review of school zones seemed the most effective way for council to find out
where improvements were most needed.
The item was placed on the
Committee of the Whole agenda on November 19. I am happy to report the draft motion included in the agenda package
was unanimously passed by all councillors in attendance:
“That Committee of the Whole recommend
Municipal Council develop a policy to govern our role in the safety of
children in school zones and that costs related to improved safety standards
be included in upcoming budget discussions.”
I look forward to seeing
progress on council’s role in school safety not only in District 3 but across
Crosswalks, crosswalk lights,
and speed monitors can all play their part as your municipality works with police
officers to ensure children’s safety.
I am thankful to that observant resident of Aldershot. Smart decisions focus on effective and efficient outlays of tax-payers money and his email got this ball rolling.
|
Friday 22 November 2013
Aldershot resident sets things in motion for improved safety in school zones
Wednesday 20 November 2013
Update on my application for judicial review
I am pleased that dates were set yesterday to move my application for a judicial review forward. In light of the county’s initial position that the court should
dispose of the application at the first court appearance that’s good news.
I am also pleased that lawyers Cumming (for the municipality) and Muttart (my solicitor) agreed to
the removal of the Warden from the application's title. It clearly made
Warden Brothers uncomfortable and that was not our intention. This does not
change anything significantly as the municipal solicitor stated that he and the
municipality will not move to limit my remedy because of the change in the application. Essentially, Warden Brothers' decision is
still what is being challenged whether or not she is a named party.
It has been suggested that the only factor in play for me is that I was "embarrassed" by the warning given to me by the Warden. That isn't a factor for me at all. What factors for me is my ability to properly represent the citizens of Kings County. That
It was possible for all parties to settle this matter out of
court. Indeed my lawyer worked hard to achieve a settlement.
Alternatively, things could have been argued on the strength of the
written transcript of what actually took place. Unfortunately, the municipality
was not open to that either.
The municipality wants additional hearings and affidavit filings that
will prolong the matter and increase costs to the taxpayer. That is a pity. My solicitor and I have taken care from the beginning to limit the
time and costs to the taxpayer.
But we are now headed towards additional costs that I think are unnecessary.
For example, the municipality’s lawyers are attempting to say that my solicitor cannot
represent me because he used to represent the municipality. I think that will
prove to be an argument without merit. There are no secrets here that would be
of any unfair advantage to me over the municipality.
I remain confident that the transcript of what was said at
the council meetings will ultimately be the deciding factor in all of this. The
transcript is very plain and pointed regarding the core issues under debate and a sound decision could be made at a modest
cost on what the record holds.
Everything else may amount be little more than very expensive window
dressing.
Monday 11 November 2013
Lest we forget --- we remember. Today hundreds gathered in Kentville to watch veterans march in the company of younger soldiers. Scores of wreaths were laid. I was honoured to lay one on behalf of the Municipality of the County of Kings.
Noted this year by Mayor Corkum during his remarks was the number of young parents and children in attendance and upon whom we will depend to remember when the veterans of today are gone.
In support of all veterans I would urge each of us to write our Prime Minister to urge him to abandon the plan of his government to close Veterans Affairs offices across Canada. These offices include the Sydney Veterans Affairs Office, Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Email Address
pm@pm.gc.ca
Mailing Address
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON
Canada
K1A 0A2
Noted this year by Mayor Corkum during his remarks was the number of young parents and children in attendance and upon whom we will depend to remember when the veterans of today are gone.
In support of all veterans I would urge each of us to write our Prime Minister to urge him to abandon the plan of his government to close Veterans Affairs offices across Canada. These offices include the Sydney Veterans Affairs Office, Cape Breton Regional Municipality.
Email Address
pm@pm.gc.ca
Mailing Address
The Right Honourable Stephen Harper
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON
Canada
K1A 0A2
Friday 8 November 2013
Kings County Council Hosts a Celebration of Elected Women & Girls in Kings County
There were lots of reasons to celebrate the young women leaders during October. It is Women’s History Month. October 11 is the Federation of Canadian Municipalities International Day of the Girl Child. And October 18, is Persons Day (the first group of Canadian women won the right to vote on October 18, 1929).
County council recently designed and hosted an event to bring young women elected to their high school councils into council chambers to meet with their "older" counterparts. County councillors were joined in this endeavour by women from Berwick and Wolfville Town Councils. MLA Diana Whalen also attended to bring greetings from the provincial government while Lorilei Nichols, an HRM councillor, tagged along with Diana to see what we were up to! Why? Because together they plan to host a similar event in metro next year. The very next day Diana Whalen was named Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance. Our congratulations are sent Diana's way!
Megan Leslie, Nova Scotia's only female MP had to be on Parliament Hill when we convened. But she sent her greeting, very specific to the youth in attendance, via this lovely U-tube!
A wonderful time was had as we shared food and experiences and got to know one another through informal chats and short presentations. Below are over 30 short reflections by those who attended. We're all looking forward to a 2014 event and more opportunities to learn from one another as we share time together. I hope you enjoy reading each of these.
Central Kings School Councillors and Support Staff Pose
in County of Kings Municipal Council Chambers
Click below for background info on these notable events:
Megan Leslie, Nova Scotia's only female MP had to be on Parliament Hill when we convened. But she sent her greeting, very specific to the youth in attendance, via this lovely U-tube!
A wonderful time was had as we shared food and experiences and got to know one another through informal chats and short presentations. Below are over 30 short reflections by those who attended. We're all looking forward to a 2014 event and more opportunities to learn from one another as we share time together.
- This was a wonderful event for Persons’ Day – to meet and encourage young women to be involved. I hope we can expand it to other cities and counties! Congratulations, I was delighted to attend. Diana Whalen, MLA Halifax Clayton Park.
- I’m so proud of what women are doing not only in
our government but in our communities. I’m so happy to be involved today
and to be able to lead a group. I’m
thankful for today and excited to grow as a person and a leader. Kathy Fulton,
- I feel enlightened; I suppose I never really
understood how parts of government worked.
It’s also nice to see all the women who are parts of
government. Everyone who spoke,
including the people from the various schools were wonderful. Kaycee-Rae
Cole,
- I felt today went great because I got to hear all
of the different women talk about their experience and what lead them to
politics. This affected me because
I love to be a leader and get involved within my community and school. I
learned that if you get the opportunity to be involved, you should take
it. Jenna Breckton,
- The shared experiences with the female
politicians was excellent for the students to hear. We rarely hear about folks aspiring to
be politicians and this might open up that possibility. Janice Foote,
- A wonderful opportunity. So pleased to see all the youth involvement!!! It was interesting to hear the different perspectives from the speakers. Inspiring words. Please continue this next year. It is a good starting place for women in politics but I would also be interested in seeing a similar forum for all youth in politics. As you may know, boys are now starting to drop “off the radar” in high schools. Thank you for asking me to participate. Jane Bustin, Deputy Mayor Town of Berwick.
- I thought it was fantastic to see so many female
positions in not only municipal government but provincial and federal.
It’s very important for women to be involved. Hannah Dawson,
- I feel that the women have improved over the
years there have been more women involved in politics. In many student councils at high schools
the majority of the people are women. This affected me by seeing what I
can do in the future. Reagan
Lonergan,
- Today’s event affected me in a very positive
way. I found it extremely
empowering and uplifting to see the contributions that women make in
councils, as well as our student councils. It was very interesting to hear
how other schools run their councils and it was nice to hear that most
councils are at least 50% female. Sierra Pineo,
- Today really showed me that as a young woman, I
do have the opportunity to make a difference in my community. Brianna Hamilton,
- Great experience for students to see the
opportunities for community involvement beyond high school. Excellent women leaders – left feeling
motivated. Krista Campbell,
- Being able to participate in today’s events is a
great experience for myself and all other young women involved in student
council/government. I learned it is
very important and beneficial for us as young people to be active in
politics and government if we want to make a difference in our community
and world. Brenna Hickey,
- I thought today was an excellent opportunity for
us as students to get kind of an inside view of what goes on in our
communities’ politics. It was nice to get to know our female role models
better and to understand their impacts in our communities. I really appreciate the invite. Corey
O’ Brien,
- Today made me see that younger women really do
have a voice in more than just your school. And now I am more interested
in how elections in the community work. Chloe Clark,
- I believe that this meeting today showed all of
us young women how important it is for us to be a part of the voice that
goes on in our community. Brooke Godsland,
- Coming here today and listening to all of these
women speak about their roles in politics was very inspirational to
me. They all shared their stories,
their struggles, and their journey to where they are today. It became even more clear to me how
important it is to have women involved in politics, to hear their voice,
and to have their say in our community.
This experience has given me the chance to see what a different I
can make in my community. Hillary Dort,
- Today opened my eyes to all the potential that
lies within myself and my peers. I am so incredibly thankful to everyone
from my coaches to my teachers that have helped me to become the leader
that I am today. I hope to continue
with my community involvement throughout the rest of my life because
knowing that your have helped or inspired even one person is the most
rewarding thing in the world. Morgan Lathem,
- Today was a great experience for young women
involved in politics. I learned so much about the importance of being
brave and getting involved. It affected my perspective on how important it
is for young women to have their voices heard. Stephanie Tanner,
- I am always energized by spending time in a room
full of women! I am thankful for all of the women, of all ages, who
attended this celebration. I think it is very important to set aside time
to reflect on and celebrate how hard we work for our communities, and to
remind one another that we are not alone in the struggles we face as
public people. Thank you all for lifting me up. Emma Van Rooyen,
- I really appreciate having the opportunity to
meet all of these role models for women in the area. It was really eye opening to see all the
possibilities and things I can do to improve my community. Thank you for putting this on. I’m very motivated to help out and be as
much of a role model as these other women. Meghan Breckon,
- I was very moved by some key statements made by
school councillors. I was thankful
for Lindsay Doucet’s part in a bold campaign to put women back on the Acadia
Student Union Executive and grateful it worked! Megan Leslie’s U-tube address set a great
tone and emotion for our time tog. I loved it that Diane Whalen
immediately picked up on the idea as something that could be initiated in
other councils and that she took the initiative to bring HRM Councillor
Lorelei Nicoll along to see what was happening here “in the sticks” ha-ha.
I’m sorry that I forgot to mention the small but mighty $500 grant from
the Union of Nova Scotia Municipalities that totally funded this event.
And, I was thrilled to hear several times that there’s enthusiasm for this
being an annual event for Persons’ Day. Also could be a model for the FCM
International Day of the Girl Child. Pauline Raven,
- I loved bringing my ladies on student
government. I got an opportunity to speak with our Warden and other
councillors who have graced my life. I am reminded at days like this why
“service” is the greatest gift we can give. Donna Griffin,
- It was
lovely to spend time together with women on this special occasion in
women’s history. A great job was
done by all. It is rare opportunity
to bring young women into this type of forum where they can meet older
women and share experiences and celebrate!
Patricia Bishop,
- I feel like today really inspired me to pursue leadership
positions outside of high school. It’s great to see such inspirational
women leading their communities and I’m honoured to have been able to meet
them.
- I felt like I learned a lot today. I don’t have a lot of knowledge about
politics but as I learned, I gained interest. This meeting empowered me to stay
involved and to keep myself informed about what is happening in politics
in the present.
- I felt that today was a fantastic opportunity to
get some insight about women in politics.
- I feel very helpful in this community to be
helping out in my school. I will definitely stay involved in my community
after I graduate high school. Women in our community have so much
potential that should continue to be noticed.
- I think today was a great idea. It would be
great to include even more high schools. I think it is past the time of
questioning women’s capabilities we have just as much to say.
- Today really showed me how putting myself out in
the community is important and the effect it can have for others. Every
voice matters.
- After being here today, I have a better
understanding of what politics are like and all the different
positions. I really appreciate all
these women coming together and organizing this great opportunity and I
hope it continues because I would love for other younger women to come and
experience this too!
- What a wonderful way to validate support and celebrate our young women leaders. Events such as this are so valuable as they empower our young women to share their talents and make a difference in the world.
Friday 1 November 2013
Waterville Airport Relocation
As Councillor for District 3, I've developed a strong position on the relocation of Kings County's Municipal Airport. This was briefly stated in the September edition of the Centrepost and is enlarged upon and updated here.
- Greenwood is not where a new municipal airport should go because close proximity to major markets, defined as within an hour’s drive of
- A new municipal airport located in Eastern Kings will provide additional jobs and bring new investments. Research and the experience of other jurisdictions proves that.
Several councillors are seeking to create a win-win situation for both big (Michelin) and smaller businesses (several are already located at the current airport). The work to strike a transition team capable of bringing the right skills to the table is being spearheaded by Councillor Winsor, whose professional experience is closely linked to this type of project. By making smart decisions, based on evidence, Kings County can arrive at an ambitious but doable, go-forward plan.
It is my position that any delay in getting this in place puts current airport-related businesses and their investments at risk. That is why this motion passed in October is so important:
"Establish a Waterville Airport Relocation Project with a supporting Project Committee... with parameters outline due by no later than November 19, 2013."
We have a new provincial government with a focus on small business. Here are some key points I believe the county needs to keep in mind as negotiations and partnerships proceed:
- The airport’s current location does not permit the creation of the type of general aviation service that a municipality of our size needs and deserves.
- A location east of the current Waterville site, with the potential for a longer runway, needs to be identified and secured.
- Kings County has collaborated with the Province of Nova Scotia to set in motion Michelin's requirements for airport land. It is now time for the Province to help us address the risks this creates for current airport-related businesses and to create a new municipal airport.
- The Municipality of the County of Kings can take the lead and embrace the opportunities presented by this necessary move of the airport.
- Relocation can be seen as a plus, not a negative. It allows the need for a longer runway to be addressed and this will give the airport a sharper competitive edge. (It's unlikely that without Michelin's need for additional land there would have been action on the Waterville's airport needs).
I'm thrilled that this relocation puts us in the frame for significant commercial growth in our county. Council is poised to take another step forward on November 19. I hope residents will be there to learn more about council's activities on this important file.
Please do not hesitate to be in touch to discuss your views on any topic. I can be reached at 902-670-2949.
The Work of Centreville Park Association Directors and Volunteers
In addition to keeping the Centreville Park in fine shape through regular cleanup and maintenance days, Centreville’s park association volunteers have also signed on
for “course work” at Acadia . That course work is nearing completion with a report due in the weeks immediately ahead.
Alongside students enrolled in Parks
and Open Space Resource Management and Community Development, park volunteers have hosted groups where community members have helped determine development options for the Percy A. Lydiard Park. I have attended some of these. The students have brought skill and enthusiasm to their task. Lots of valuable input has been gathered. I anticipate a great report.
The end result will give us all a great deal of direction and focus. With a well-researched plan in hand the community of Centreville can step forward. Soon, directors will be turning their attention to accessing the resources required for full development of the park’s
potential. They are inviting everyone's help.
Meanwhile, they already have in hand "50 cent" dollars towards installing a new swing set and replacing the roof and siding on the park building. Keep an eye out during your walks in the park. Changes will materialize in the weeks immediately ahead.
I want to send a well-deserved cheer out to all the park directors, volunteers, and those who attended the park development group discussions. Your work is very much appreciated!
Please do not hesitate to be in touch to discuss your views
on any topic. I can be reached at
902-670-2949.
Ready for Change (published in June 2013 Centrepost)
Before and since I became your Kings County Kings County Kings County
Merge. Eliminate. Consolidate. Collaborate. There are many ways to change. There’s one very good local example of why we
should… Valley Waste Resource Authority. Collaboration between many municipal
units has given us “garbage” pick up that’s better. And it costs only $163 per
house per year. It’s so good VWRA has won two provincial awards for leadership
and innovation in waste reduction.
Your municipal leaders are currently examining further
mergers. Like waste management this
regionalization has been initiated at the provincial level. This time the topic
is economic development. We are perhaps
only weeks, or a month or two away, from signing a Regional Economic Network agreement
with municipal units from both Hants and Kings Counties
A more “made at home” collaboration is also due to be
discussed. It would focus on the merits
of merging planning departments... an
idea that was enthusiastically endorsed at the February 2050 governance
workshop... but that has stalled
somewhat since then [or at least has disappeared from public discussion].
Economies of scale will help us achieve the efficiencies
needed to fully develop our valley assets.
To share or not won’t matter much if we continue to put decisions
off. Our young people are leaving and
too many storefronts are empty.
More opportunities for municipal units to get together are
needed. I’d like to see a collaborative,
independent, top-to-bottom audit of all municipal government programs. This
would be a great starting point. Results
could form a basis for next steps. First, by showing precisely where tax
dollars are not giving us full value. Next, by suggesting where we can spend to
address gaps in service and get a bigger bang for our bucks.
With some good old-fashioned valley gumption and ingenuity
I bet we can find all kinds of ways to get more out of what we’ve already got.
That’s what we can work for together. Better local government.
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