Rick James, Cumberland County
Rick James is running in District 5, Cumberland County
Q. What’s your full name? Richard “Rick” Allan James
Q. Where are you from?
Born and raised in Springhill. Q. What did you do before you decided to run for office?
I’ve been fortunate to hone my ability to learn and adapt across variety of fields and industries. From a young age, I was motivated to work hard and work smart. I’ve successfully trained as a pilot, I have worked in corrections, I have worked at and I am skilled in several trades, most recently I became certified as a solar energy installer. I owned and operated a commercial trucking business, I have invested heavily in real estate, starting at the age of 18, and I have also created and/or managed other successful businesses, and created a number of local jobs for other residents as a result. I’m probably best known locally for my track record as a landlord, and revitalizing derelict properties and creating affordable housing options.
Q. Why have you chosen to run in this election campaign?
My experience in business and real estate had left me asking a lot of questions about where we could find efficiencies and financial savings without losing service in Springhill and the county. I have serious concerns about the current decision-making process for expenditures and the lack of clarity residents receive as to where our tax dollars are going. Reducing wasteful spending, developing new revenue streams to reduce the tax burden and prioritizing where tax dollars are spent will enable infrastructure to be maintained and/or updated in a more timely fashion.
Q. What strengths would you bring to council if you are elected?
I’m not a pushover, so residents can be sure I’ll take the tough issues to the table and bring them back answers, communicated with honesty, clarity, and respect. I’ll apply the same principles as a councillor that I apply in my own business endeavours. Finances, budgeting, business development knowledge, on-the-ground construction experience and common sense will go a long way.
Q. What do you feel is the key challenge facing the community/region and how would you work to address it?
Population decline, and labour recruitment, retention and skills alignment. I’ve already been improving properties and undertaking activities to try and attract new residents for years, but we need a formalized, concerted effort if we want to see real change.
Q. What one message do you hope gets out to the voters during this election campaign?
I am going to go to bat for the citizens, their concerns are my concerns. The crime, the drugs, the litter, the decay... those are my concerns too. My family has been here for sevenplus generations and now I’m watching my granddaughter and my great nieces and nephews growing up here. I want to see them grow in a thriving community, certainly one that afforded more opportunities to them than when I was growing up. I want to see them be a part of something great.
Q. How can people contact you?
@VoteRickJames on Facebook, phone: 902-694-0053, email: rickjamesproperties2020@gmail.com.