McColeman seeking re-election
First candidate for Ward 6: Centre East – Downtown
A veteran city councillor is putting her name forward for reelection in the upcoming municipal election. Long-time Ward 6: Center East – Downtown resident Norma McColeman first took a position with city council in 2000 and served until 2010. She took a council position again in 2014. Currently she chairs the police, fire and emergency services committee and acts as co-chair of the city’s finance committee. “Summerside offers people plenty, as a beautiful seaside city with a beach, boardwalk and a million-dollar view as crowning jewels,” she said. “…Working together, being accountable and staying true to our community identity determines what is best for Summerside over all.” Bringing 30-plus years of business and frontline support services, McColeman hopes to be given another opportunity to represent city residents. “I wish to continue efforts for affordable housing, reviewing communications, a downtown grocery store, attracting needed medical doctors and fiscal responsibility.” One important point McColeman highlights is the city’s efforts on debt reduction. “It’s such a significant thing in the city,” she said, listing that the net debt has decreased by $8 million from 2013 to 2018, the operating deficit in the electric utility lessening from $4 million in 2013 to just under $1 million in 2018 and with the adoption of solar energy technology saving the city about $100,000 per year in energy costs. During her years on council, McColeman has seen businesses start up, partnerships form and expansions in re-purposed local, federal and heritage buildings. Before leaving her position, she worked as a family violence prevention outreach coordinator since 2000 with P.E.I. Family Violence Prevention Centre. She now owns and operates her own consulting firm offering services to business women, students and young girls on building confidence and honing their skills. McColeman is the first candidate to announce a bid for Ward 6: Centre East – Downtown.