EDITORS NOTE: The following is the fourth in a series of Q&As with candidates running in the riding of Memramcook-Tantramar in the Sept. 24 provincial election.
Q. Why have you chosen to run in this election campaign?
A. It’s about the people. This province is in terrible shape and is headed in the wrong direction economically and people are suffering and will continue to suffer if we do not change course. After my retirement from military service, I knew I wanted to give back to the great folks of my community. I have the experience, education and passion to make a difference. Our riding needs a strong MLA who is 100 per cent dedicated to the people. I believe my military service shows that I am a committed public servant who is entering politics for the right reasons.
Q. What would you and/or your party bring to the riding if you are elected MLA?
A. Leadership and a steady hand at the controls. The people of this riding deserve a strong voice within government. It’s clear that the last four years have not been up to standard and we can fix that. Health care must be improved, and quickly. Mr. Gallant’s spending is way out of control and this will continue to impact our ability to offer services to the great people of this riding if he is re-elected. I will work with Team Higgs to get real results that people can see and feel. We will fight the carbon tax with all our vigour since it will cost families nearly $1,200 a year without reducing emissions. It’s terribly misguided and greatly unfair to the people of our riding. Many, especially on fixed incomes, simply cannot afford this tax.
- FUN FACTS
- Favourite fall event or activity – Nature walks to take in the fall colours
- Favourite song – Brothers in Arms by Dire Straits
- Favourite pastime/hobby – Walking and exploring our beaches and shoreline
- Favourite childhood memory – Skating on outdoor rinks with family and friends
- Favourite place you’ve visited – Dorchester Cape
Q. What do you see as the biggest strengths/assets of the riding and what measures would you take to capitalize on them?
A. Our people are clearly our biggest asset and we need to keep as many of them here as possible. Too many are moving away to work, build companies and create prosperity in other parts of the country. They need to be doing this here, but they need the right economic climate to operate in. I will work every day to bring back our young people and keep the ones we have right here. Many of them want to come back and simply need to see the right leadership in place and the province to be turned around economically.
The beauty of our area is stunning and I’ll work tirelessly to ensure we protect our environment and maximize any and all tourism opportunities.
Q. What do you feel is the key challenge(s) facing the Memramcook-Tantramar riding and how would you work to address it?
A. An aging population who deserve great health care, coupled with our children leaving to work elsewhere. We need to ask ourselves, who will pay New Brunswick’s debt that is now over $14 billion and rising? We need to get our fiscal and economic house in order to withstand the demographic pressures this province will face over the next 20 years. It starts with electing a PC government led by Blaine Higgs. He has the qualifications and experience to manage our economy. It can’t be done overnight, but we need to start today or our children will be in deep trouble because we failed to act. We can grow our economy and spend within our means while at the same time taking care of the less fortunate and the environment. None of these are mutually exclusive propositions as some would lead us to believe. We can do better with the right leadership in place.
Q. What one message do you hope gets out to the voters during this election campaign?
A. Change, change, change. Elections are a time to assess and grade the incumbent MLA and party in power. Our economy has been mismanaged terribly over the last four years. We are paying more in taxes and getting less in return, so change is badly needed. I can be a strong defender and fighter for our people. I’ve proven my integrity and commitment through my military service. It would be an honour to be the MLA for this great riding and I hope voters will see fit to elect me.
