Editor’s Note
To help voters in the upcoming municipal elections make an informed decision, we are providing candidates with space in our publication to help share their message. All candidates will have the opportunity if they wish and profiles will be published on a first-come, first-serve basis. See more municipal election coverage at SaltWire.com.
Vince Byrne is running for council in Amherst.
Q. What’s your full name?
Vincent George Byrne
Q. Where are you from?
I am originally from Newfoundland, however, have lived in Nova Scotia since 1980.
Q. What did you do before you decided to run for office?
Before running for town council, I worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia for 37-plus years. I have also worked in public accounting in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, Economic Development in
Nova Scotia and I currently run my own small business in Amherst.
Q. Why have you chosen to run in this election campaign?
With my diverse background, I believe I can effectively represent the citizens and small businesses of Amherst. I am aware of the
challenges that Amherst is encountering on a daily basis, such as how to grow our business community, keep taxes at a reasonable level, and provide services that the citizens expect. I have experienced similar challenges in the other communities in which I called home and I was actively engaged in contributing to the solutions to these issues through the local Chamber of Commerce and other agencies. Q. What strengths would you bring to council if you are elected?
I thoroughly research issues at hand and provide possible solutions. I listen to what other council members have to say as well as the citizens of Amherst before deciding on an issue. I am willing to think outside the box when it comes to solutions
Q. What do you feel is the key
challenge facing the community/region and how would you work to address it?
The key challenge facing Amherst is a readily employable work force. While skilled labour is often required, demographics in Amherst are working against us. Our younger generation are leaving for higher education and seldom return as there is limited opportunity in Amherst to utilize the skills they have acquired. Amherst need to work with its partners in the Chamber of Commerce, the Cumberland Business Connector the local high school, the local business community, organized labour and the local community college to change the expectations of our youth, and the way we educate the next generation of the workforce.
Q. What one message do you
hope gets out to the voters during this election campaign?
Amherst is a great place to live work and play. We must sell that message not only to our local citizenry, but to the rest of Canada. An Amherst location gives one access to numerous sports facilities, access to great beaches, a fully staffed hospital, access to cultural events, great shopping etc. While one can ask where these facilities are located, you must realize that Halifax, Moncton, Charlottetown etc. offer access to some of these facilities.
Q. How can people contact you?
Email at vbyrne@amherst.ca or phone at 902-694-0803 and vincebyrne.ca.