E-mail – russell.hannam1@ns.sympatico.ca
Telephone – 902-670-8333 (C) or 902-665-4358 (H)
A lifelong resident of Annapolis County, I was born and raised in West Dalhousie. I was educated at Bridgetown Regional Elementary School and Bridgetown Regional High School. I have lived in Carleton Corner with my wife, Evelyn (Young) for 47 years. We have three adult daughters and four grandchildren.
Over the years, I have been a member of Bridgetown Volunteer Fire Dept., Bridgetown Lions Club and Eden Golf and Country Club. As a former Municipal Councillor, I served on the Board of Management for Mountain Lea Lodge.
If elected, will you support taking the dispute with Valley Waste to binding arbitration?
If elected, I would like tangible correspondence from both parties involved, Valley Waste and Annapolis County Municipal Council, with the facts that brought us to this point. At the present time, as a candidate for District 7, all I’m aware of is a lot of conversation. The tax payers of Annapolis County have a right to know the facts. Binding arbitration should be the last resort.
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
If elected, I will definitely advocate for all residents of Annapolis County to have reliable internet. This is an on going problem, and with so many people working from home now, and school children doing on-line classes, they need internet they can depend on. All residents have a right to that, regardless of where they choose to live.
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, I support a review of the number of councillors required for Annapolis County.
2) Do you support having a mayor elected by the population at large? No, I do not support having a mayor elected by the population at large.
What ideas or plans do you have for constructive community engagement?
I will strive to have more open communication between the residents of District 7 and County Council, so everyone is aware of what transpires. I will be available at any time, through e-mail, phone calls or in-person, to discuss the concerns of the residents. It is my hope to help resolve some of the current issues.
What do you see as the top three priorities for Annapolis County, and how do you plan to address them?
1/ Transparency by County Council – More open sessions and less in-camera
2/ Waste Transfer Station – Hold a meeting between concerned citizens and County Council
3/ Lack of doctors – County Council need to meet with Minister of Health
