What is the biggest problem facing the district you running in?
The biggest problem facing District 4 is the recent closure of Resolute Forest Products that has left many of our residents’ unemployed and uncertain about the future. Uncertainty creates anxiety and we need to bring a solid plan for the future to our residents to remove that anxiety.
What will you do to address these issues?
I wish I had the proverbial “Magic Wand” that I could wave and make all our issues go way but no one has that. The issues that face us today didn’t happen overnight and there is no single overnight solution. My retirement in December of this year will afford me the opportunity to dedicate myself to this on a full time basis.
If I am elected, I am committed to working with all of the constituents of the county to gather feedback. I am committed to being a very active member of the Council, drawing on my past experiences working with government and private interest groups to bring about sustainable change. That change includes attracting new business, working to retain and grow existing business opportunities, as well as forming a strong and effective partnership with all residents. Making sure that Queens County remains a great place to live.
Help us know you a little: Where and/or in what field do you work?
I have been a loyal and dedicated professional with a fulfilling and successful career of almost 37 years with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. I started my career in the Federal Government as a labourer, and accepted continually progressive roles rising to my current position of Coordinator of the Biodiversity Facilities in Nova Scotia. My career has afforded me to be involved in many and varied projects, testing my resolve and increasing my experience. I have been responsible for the management of millions of dollars in capital and operating expenses. I have been involved with the expansion of the facilities as well as assisting with the design and construction to meet program demands. While forging strong working relationships with immediate staff, I have significant experience working with the public as well as a variety of private interest groups such as the First Nations, Various River Associations, Nova Scotia Power Corporation, Federal and Provincial Agencies.
I have been married to Gail (Foster) for 26 years. I also have four wonderful children (Jennifer, Angie, Brittany and Wade) along with three amazing grandchildren.
Having lived in Queens County for 32 years, the past 26 in Brooklyn, I have always been actively involved in the community. In my early years I maintained an active role in local sports which included fastball, golf, pool, hockey, bowling and darts to mention a few. Later in life I sat on many not for profit boards and held various directorships which varied in responsibility. I have volunteered on many community interest groups such as Brooklyn Sea Fest, Queens County Sports Awards, Ball leagues and hockey leagues to mention a few.
Many will know me from my 23 years with Labatt Brewery where I had the pleasure of holding a position as a Promotional Booster in Queens County. This position afforded me not only the pleasure of meeting many residents of this County but also enabled me to lobby for and successfully receive financial support for several local events.
What is something you consider unique about yourself?
Although my years of working with both the Federal Government and Labatt Brewery has been rewarding I was constantly faced with change. Weather it was a new sales strategy by Labatt to increase market share or a change in Government policy, change was constant. Therefore, if I had to suggest that there is something unique about me other than my positive attitude it would be my willingness to embrace change and work with people at all levels to insure that change is successful and sustainable. To sum it up in one sentence I have always been the type that believes the glass is half full, never half empty.
