Palmer running in Kings County
Ted Palmer, a candidate for a Kings County, recently provided responses to a Q&A SaltWire is providing to municipal election candidates.
Q. What’s your full name?
A. Ted Paul Palmer
Q. What position are you running for?
A. Kings County, District 5
Q. Where are you from?
A. Morristown
Q. What did you do before you decided to run for office?
A. Retired; past occupations include municipal councillor, farmer, substitute teacher and labourer.
Q. Why have you chosen to run in this election campaign?
A. I have chosen to run for council because I believe in the fundamentals of democracy: “for the people, by the people.” Do I have something to offer the people of District 5? Can I make a difference improving the financial, health, security and quality of life in Kings County? Without hesitation, the answer was yes. Therefore, having the time, desire and no other major obligations, I made the serious commitment to serve the public.
Q. What strengths would you bring to council if you are elected?
A. I have trust in our grassroots government. With a certificate in municipal governing, I bring some knowledge to represent my constituents in a professional manner. My strength as a caring people person is essential in the interaction with administration, staff and fellow councillors. I will make a sincere effort to stand up for what I believe in; not influenced by public opinion if it differs greatly from that of my district.
Q. What do you see as the biggest strength/asset of the community/region and what measures would you take to capitalize on them?
A. Economic planning. One of the strengths of Kings County has been to promote economic growth. Our strong tax base has enhanced new residential, commercial and industrial development. It has been vital for our region to control its land base. Good community planning and decisions have helped achieve financial, economic and environmental benefits.
Kings County relies heavily on its Municipal Planning Strategy and land use bylaws. These improve the ability of council and staff in avoiding controversial situations. An effective Planning Advisory Committee ... has helped achieve growth and one of the lowest tax rates in the province. I would encourage our region to pro-actively promote new technologies, initiatives and markets for our agricultural and manufacturing industries.
Q. What do you feel is the key challenge facing the community/region and how would you work to address it?
A. I believe municipal programs and services are the backbone of any municipal region. These have taken a direct hit as we go toward an unpredictable future. I want to be part of the decisions and aggressively debate, especially at budget time, the operating expenditures of the various public and administrative programs and services.
Q. How can people contact you?
A. I will answer your call or return your message from 902-847-3730; Facebook page at Elect Ted Palmer for District 5 councillor; e-mail me at tonedpalmers@eastlink.ca
For the full Q&A, go to saltwire.com