SACKVILLE, N.B. - With a decade of experience in municipal politics, Shawn Mesheau is throwing his hat in the ring once again for a seat on Sackville town council.
Mesheau, who has served three previous terms on council, said he is eager to renew his involvement in the community and take on this role again now that his work commitments are settled back in his hometown.
Currently employed with Blugenics Innovations in Sackville, where he serves as key account manager for large national retailers, Mesheau said he has been contemplating a run for town council for several months now.
“Work commitments made it difficult before, but now that I’ve started working back in town again, I started thinking I might reoffer,” he said.
Initially, Mesheau considered vying for a council seat in the next municipal election in 2020 – until he heard of the vacant seat left empty recently by Coun. Megan Mitton, who was elected as the riding’s new MLA.
“So then I thought maybe the time is now,“ he said. “It just kind of made sense for me.”
Mesheau said having prior experience on council will be an asset for any candidate running in a byelection, as it would provide for a smoother transition for both the individual and fellow councillors for the shorter, 16-month term.
“I know the processes so there won’t be as much of a learning curve.”
The lifelong resident of Sackville, who has a longstanding family history of political involvement, served on town council for two consecutive three-year terms from 1998 to 2004, and then again from 2012 to 2016.
Mesheau believes he was an effective councillor who brought a common sense and down-to-earth approach to the table. He said his business knowledge and experience gives him an edge when it comes to keeping an eye on ensuring tax dollars are wisely spent.
“We have to be fiscally responsible,” he said, “and make good spending decisions. You have to live within your means.”
As he stated in his last campaign for the 2012 election, Mesheau said council needs to continue to be more diligent about delivering services efficiently and effectively, with more transparency and accountability to the residents.
Mesheau said he enjoys being a part of grassroots decision-making and connecting with citizens at the community level. He is looking forward to meeting with residents who have questions or ideas for the future betterment of the town or anyone who has issues or concerns they would like addressed.
Mesheau can be reached at [email protected] or (506) 536-3515. He also has a Facebook page ‘Mesheau for Sackville Town Council.’
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