District 12 covers part of Sydney (chiefly the Whitney Pier area) and all or part of South Bar, Lingan Road, Grand Lake Road and Victoria Mines.
It is totally shaped like a bat:
Since time immemorial, by which I mean, since amalgamation, the district has been represented chiefly by Jim MacLeod, who was an alderman in the city of Sydney before being elected to the very first CBRM council in 1995. He subsequently served multiple, although not consecutive, terms. MacLeod is not running in this election (although you might have assumed he was, given the number of appearances he made on the front page of the Post this summer).
In 2016, 2,278 of the district’s 5,936 registered voters cast ballots and MacLeod won with 1,460 votes. He faced two opponents last time, but now there are five candidates vying to replace him, including Kim Sheppard, who came second to him in 2016 with 1,181 votes and Lorne Green, who actually beat him in 1997.
Donald Campbell
Donald Campbell
Why do you want to be a CBRM councilor?
To be honest, I never had interest [in] politics before this year. With the many charities I help and feedback from all areas of the community, it left me with no choice but to make noise running for council. Too many in our district and community do not have a voice in politics. Councilors are there to be a voice [for] all in our communities. When places like the Whitney Pier Boys and Girls Club [and its] head chairman Chester Borden have no voice in politics, our hungry youth have no voice in politics, our seniors have no voice. It’s time for change ! We need a voice!
What is one issue of concern to you and what is your plan to address it?
Poverty in our District 12 has become my Number 1 priority since I have been campaigning the last four months. Equalization money was top of list and remains a major priority, but it’s not feeding our hungry children today.
Although it is now 25 years old, the CBRM doesn’t necessarily function as a single entity. Do you have any ideas for bringing our “community of communities” closer together?
We need a fully transparent council of 12 for the CBRM first of all. Then we continue to work with all other municipalities, and native communities as a whole. Together we stand, divided we fall. Team work makes the dream work.
What is one place in your district you always bring visitors?
To the Sydney Speedway on Grand Lake Road, where the land and property can be utilized for more than racing, with an owner willing to work with the community and council to utilize this space.
What is one question you wish I’d asked you?
Do you feel you would be a strong voice for change ?
Kim Sheppard
Kim Sheppard
Why do you want to be a CBRM councilor?
After volunteering for over 10 years, I have seen several needs here in my community and the rest of CBRM. Needs such as adequate housing, new strategies to help those with mental health [problems] and addiction, and empowering our residents with knowledge.
What is one issue of concern to you and what is your plan to address it?
One of my concerns (and there are several) is the young people who are leaving this Island in pursuit of a career opportunity. Several of these young adults want to start up their own businesses but do not have the know-how to do so. There are several programs from different levels of government that can assist them — so why don’t they know this? It’s because this information is hidden. You have to research on the internet and go down several rabbit holes before finding it. Let’s help them start and grow businesses here. They have refreshing ideas and can be successful right here in Cape Breton.
Although it is now 25 years old, the CBRM doesn’t necessarily function as a single entity. Do you have any ideas for bringing our “community of communities” closer together?
Communities have been pitted against one another for several years. I think we need a committee that represents all communities [to] find out what their needs are. If Glace Bay has an up-to-date playground with splash pad, then each community should have one. Each community should have a downtown, adequate transportation, sport and recreation opportunities.
What is one place in your district you always bring visitors?
I love to bring visitors to Open Hearth Park and also Polar Bear beach.
What is one question you wish I’d asked you?
Why should people vote for me?
Answer: I am strong and will stand up for what I believe is right and will fight until the end. I do not give up. I can respectfully work with others to reach a common goal.
Still to come:
Trevor Allen
Gary Borden
Lorne Green
A note on this feature:
I decided to send candidates questions by email because, while speaking to each in person would be preferable, I knew I wouldn’t have time to conduct (and transcribe) 55 phone interviews.
I will update these pages as responses roll in and send out notifications on Facebook and Twitter announcing new answers.
And finally…
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