E-mail – mannjim61@gmail.com
Telephone – 902-824-0634
Annapolis County is my home and has been for the last 50 years. For the last 36 years I have lived in Bridgetown, and worked and continue to work in the retail sector in Bridgetown. Married to my wife of 34 years, Patti, and we have two now adult children . I have volunteered throughout the Bridgetown and surrounding areas during this time, and served on Municipal council in Bridgetown on two different occasions, and have enjoyed an always good working relationship with the public.
If elected, will you support taking the dispute with Valley Waste to binding arbitration?
1 ) That obviously both would have to be in agreement as to who in fact the arbiter would be
2) That upon a final determination that said awards and reasons for be made publicly available
3) As arbitration wards can be challenged in court (though rarely) , that as part of the arbitration process and its subsequent findings , both parties agree not to challenge in a court of law
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
Unequivocally, Yes is the answer to the question posed. As I go around the District, this question and concern has come up many times, expressed from obviously those who are existing without a rural internet, and from all age groups and all walks of life, be it farmers , retired folks, high school students, etc. We live in an era that requires this come to fruition in a timely manner. 15 years in the making has been far too long .
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 would support a review of the number of councillors required for Annapolis County. Based on remuneration by population ratio, Annapolis County is 166% higher monetarily. Based on a remuneration by number of councillors ratio, Kings County is $ 18.49% higher. The biggest difference of course is that there are approximately 30,000 more citizens in Kings County. There is room for detailed discussion on this subject .
2) Do you support having a mayor elected by the population at large? Yes I support having a mayor elected by the population at large.
What ideas or plans do you have for constructive community engagement?
Constructive community engagement of course has to have our citizens show that interest, not just at election time. Perhaps a way to engage this would be to have all Council meetings held equally throughout all 11 Districts. Most Council meetings are held in the Municipality of Annapolis Royal, not the Municipality of Annapolis County! These could be held at local fire halls, churches, Community Halls etc.. It is a large building from which the County operates. Is it cost effective, and would it be just as cost effective to not operate from within and in turn see the monies to do so filtered back to all 11 Districts in and for all Municipal County residents?
What do you see as the top three priorities for Annapolis County, and how do you plan to address them?
