E-mail – novascotiarice@gmail.com
Telephone – 902-532-0871
Born in Wilmot, I attended local schools then migrated west to find work. After a 30-year career in international oil exploration, I came home with my partner Niki Clark. We started a landscaping business and NIKIAN organic experimental farm in Granville Beach. Over the past 18 years we have trialed dozens of food plant varieties to learn what can be successfully grown here for greater food security in a changing environment. I volunteer regularly for several local organisations. My passions are world history, wooden boats, and problem solving.
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
Yes, it is critical
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? Yes
Comments: I would like to see the council reduced to four plus a
mayor. Divide the county into four equal populations A mayor being
the tie breaker and spokesperson. Keep salaries the same. This system
would save the taxpayers a couple hundred thousand a year. Term
limits. I would like to see three terms max.
What ideas or plans do you have for constructive community engagement?
I feel strongly that our county government should work with existing groups, such as service clubs, community halls, not-for-profit associations and youth organizations. These alliances promote community engagement as well as give a voice to a cross-section of our rural populace. By reaching out to these organizations, county councillors can best serve the needs and interests of our diverse community.
What do you see as the top three priorities for Annapolis County, and how do you plan to address them?
(1) Ecological forestry – critical for water and soil retention, sequestering carbon and wildlife habitat. We have severely damaged this resource. As an incentive to stop over-harvesting, the County can and should impose progressive taxation on forest owners, private and corporate.
(2) Local food security – our farmland and seas are our wealth. The food produced should be processed (value-added) and sold affordably here, increasing business and employment opportunities while providing us with the best fresh fare. Local supply chains are key.
(3) High speed internet – a necessary tool for business, learning and just communicating. This is a wise investment. Historically, power and phone companies were started here with public municipal funds; let’s again make this a County-owned utility.
