Telephone – (902) 955-0258
My family found a home in Annapolis County when we moved here eleven years ago. A former instructor in English Literature at the University of Western Ontario, I left academics in 1998 to establish one of Canada’s few harp-making companies, crafting nearly six hundred Celtic Harps for musicians around the world.
My wife Shelley and I are proud to live in Centrelea with our two young daughters, and one slightly ridiculous dog.
Note: Timothy Habinski has represented District 7 since 2012 and has been Warden of Annapolis County since 2016.
If elected, will you support taking the dispute with Valley Waste to binding arbitration?
Binding Arbitration should be the last option any candidate would consider if they claim to support transparency. Arbitration is best way to ensure that the public never learns the truth of what happened at Valley Waste, and offers the least chance that Annapolis County residents will be compensated for the damages they’ve received.
Valley Waste filed litigation against the County, but, apparently afraid of exposure, instead demands arbitration. I believe in transparency and accountability, and will only support a fully public process.
The lack of rural internet has been a pressing issue for over 15 years and while there are some concrete signs of preparation for some new installations, there still remains a number of County residents who will not be afforded the same level of internet service when it is all said and done.
If elected, can you commit to advocating for the same level of service for all residents, including “final mile” residents? Yes or No
The Municipality has applied to the Province for funding to extend fiber-optic internet service to all homes in Annapolis County.
Annapolis County elects 11 councillors for a population of approximately 19,000. The councillors then elect a warden from amongst themselves. Total remuneration is $405,062.
Kings County elects 9 councillors for a population of approximately 49,000. Since 2016 a mayor has been elected by the population at large. Total remuneration is $392,688.
1) Do you support a review of the number of councillors required for Annapolis County? Yes
2) Do you support having a mayor elected by the population at large? There are advantages to both systems. The Mayoral system is more directly democratic as a process, and elevates the authority of the Mayor. However, a Mayoral race requires significant funding, which favours wealthier candidates, while the Warden system allows more democratic representation, and limits the Warden’s role more strictly. I would accept either system supported by a majority of County residents.
What ideas or plans do you have for constructive community engagement?
Once restrictions related to Covid-19 are removed, I will resume our town hall meetings so that every district has at least one meeting in a four year term.
I plan to convene a second Local Climate Change Action Summit to continue the work of collecting local expertise to address the implications of climate change.
The Municipality has hired a communications officer to keep our residents informed on County initiatives.
And finally, we will develop and deploy an app for emergency messaging and community engagement. This app will permit community surveys and polling, and more direct involvement in County decisions.
What do you see as the top three priorities for Annapolis County, and how do you plan to address them?
Economic growth:
The Internet project and the Gordonstoun School project will be economic drivers for Annapolis County. First class internet supports businesses attraction and expansion, and Gordonstoun will add hundreds of jobs to our economy. I will get them done, prudently and responsibly.
Resilience in the face of climate change:Community resilience requires local food and energy production. We are encouraging residential energy projects with two programs, and I will introduce a community garden program. I will also support community halls in their role as comfort stations in emergencies.
Stewardship of our environment:
I stand against glyphosate spraying and am working to provide better alternatives to clear cutting for woodlot owners. I will further reduce our carbon footprint, and work to end the dumping of Halifax’ asbestos and automotive “fluff” in Annapolis County.
