Dunn seeks third term
Pat Dunn is a veteran in provincial politics compared to his two opponents, but last term in office had him treading in unchartered waters.
First elected in 2009 as an MLA for Pictou Centre, he helped form the government of the day, lost to NDPer Ross Landry in the 2009 election, but when he was re-elected again in 2013, he spent his first time in opposition.
“I wondered how effective I would be for the people of Pictou County because it was a new experience,” said the Progressive Conservative candidate.
“I knew what it was like to represent the county on the government side, but I was pleasantly surprised that we had the opportunity to help a lot of people.”
Dunn said people who come to their MLA for help have usually exhausted every other avenue and their elected official is their last hope.
“Every day is different,” he said. “There isn’t a routine day. From the first day the election was called, I said whoever comes through the door you must treat with respect and dignity no what they are or where they are coming from. Their circumstances are the reason why they are at our door because all other doors have been closed on them.”
Dunn said his motto has worked well and he feels real rewards from the help that he and his staff were able to give people.
Dunn said when people bring up their concerns about health care, education or job creation, he is happy to tell them that the PC party has a plan that will help turn things around.
His party has committed to increasing the number of seats available in Dalhousie University’s medical school and will establish a $13 million tuition relief plan in hope of enticing graduates to stay in the province.
In regards to education, he said his party would “rip up” Bill 75 and immediately put $20 million back into the classrooms in terms of hiring more educational assistants and other resources that would assist children and teachers.
He would like to see the new council struck by the Liberal government that looks at much-needed changes in classrooms continue because it is letting the people who work on the front lines have their voices heard.
As a retired teacher and school administrator, Dunn said he understands the challenges that teachers face today in regards to classroom sizes and lack of resources to help staff with the dynamics of today’s classroom.
Dunn said job creation has been another topic he’s discussing at length because his party is focusing on helping small businesses grow.
He said the days of corporate handouts and payroll rebates are gone, but there are ways to help entrepreneurs with solid business plans by reducing red tape and making changes in the way they are taxed.
“We really have to help them,” he said. “Even on the campaign trail and running into someone with a business, they are saying, ‘how can we get rid of the red tape?’ There has to be a shorter and concise route.”