For Immediate Release – Thursday September 13th

Our HRM Alliance debate for districts 9 and 11 on Friday night at the Captain William Spry Centre promises to address big issues

A joint debate for districts 9 and 11, which include the communities of Spryfield, Fairmount, Armdale, and Chebucto Road (to name a few), promises a great start to the election season. “It’s an opportunity for residents of HRM to become more engaged. Only 36% of the public voted in the last election,” says Alliance coordinator Jen Powley. “This is our effort to engage people in the issues that will really affect the future of their municipality and their neighbourhoods.”

One of the residents who will be at Friday’s debate is Drew Moore (who once considered running for the election himself). Moore says, “There are several important issues that need to be addressed in the new District 9.” He identifies these as: cyclist and pedestrian safety at and around the Armdale rotary, the Bayers Road widening and the loss of the Williams Lake watershed.

Moore specifically will be looking for “a councillor who sees the bigger picture when it comes to designing and adhering to good development plans, including consideration for transit, who has real ideas for open government and public engagement and who understands the vital roles recreation, arts and culture play in the community, both socially and financially.”

Spryfield resident Tanis Crosby, who now resides in District 11, is concerned about transportation issues and community plans. When asked about her concerns, she comments “HRM significantly resourced the development of a Herring Cove Road community plan, developed by Ekistics Planning and Design”. Crosby wants councillor candidates to answer “what specific and concrete actions will you take to ensure the delivery on these recommendations and within what timeline?”

For these questions and more, please come to the debate at the Captain William Spry Community Centre, sponsored by the Our HRM Alliance. The evening will feature a very brief presentation on the Seven Solutions and the set questions for the candidates will revolve around these themes. Questions from participants are allowed on any topic. The debate will be moderated by Jordi Morgan of News 95.7.

With any questions, please contact Jen Powley, Our HRM Alliance Coordinator, at 802-1270.