Hodges ready for next challenge as council term winds down
Meg Hodges followed the path rarely travelled en route to the local political scene.
In 2015, the 26-year-old political neophyte residing in Sheffield Mills ran in a federal election as a Kings-Hants candidate for the nation’s satirical Rhinoceros Party. She shared the stage at Wolfville’s Festival Theatre with independents and candidates from Canada’s leading political parties for an all-party debate and, more than once, she earned enthusiastic applause from the crowd with both her razor-sharp wit and no-holds-barred insights.
She knew punchlines wouldn’t punch her ticket to Ottawa, but it wasn’t about winning.
“I ran because I was frustrated by low voter turnout rates and party politics maintaining the status quo,” she wrote in a recent “Addressing the Rhino in the Room” blog. “With every fibre of my being I needed to try and make a difference. I didn't set out to make a mockery of the election or the other candidates. I simply wanted an alternative dialogue to be opened and I wanted to inspire non-voters to get to the polls and cast their ballots.”
Hodges successfully sought election in her home district in the 2016 round of municipal elections. As a member of Kings County’s council, she’s advocated for rural internet access, green energy, transit and active transportation.
Hodges strongly considered reoffering for the Oct. 17 round of municipal elections in Nova Scotia, but she ultimately decided to free up some time for other pursuits. And she has no shortage of pursuits to choose from!
Learn more about Meg Hodges in this questionand-answer session with the SaltWire Network:
Q: Name?
A: Meg Hodges
Q: Where and when were you born?
A: Berwick, 1988
Q: Where do you live today? A: Sheffield Mills
Q: What’s your favourite place in the world?
A: The Annapolis Valley, seriously! I feel like I’ve been drawn back to this place like a salmon to a river my whole life. I was born here but left when I was nine and didn’t come back until I was 21. It’s always felt like the Valley is home and it holds a very special place in my soul.
Q: Who do you follow on social media?
A: I have professional and personal accounts. On my professional accounts, I follow female leaders, local businesses, and funny accounts so I can stay inspired, up to date, and laughing. On my personal accounts, I follow farmers, gardeners and other growers around the world in order to see new permaculture techniques, houseplants, and crop information.
Q: What would people be surprised to learn about you?
A: I wish I were cool enough to do something surprising.
Q: What’s been your favourite year and why?
A: I liked 2012, because we all thought the world was going to end, and it’s basically been a slow burn since then.
Q: What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?
A: Physically, giving birth. Emotionally, moving back to Nova Scotia on my own in 2010 and leaving my family in Ontario to chase my dream of making a life in the Annapolis Valley.
Q: Can you describe one experience that changed your life?
A: Finding out I was pregnant with my first son. It made me take stock of my life and my plans. I felt more inspired to focus on connecting with my community and building a stronger and more resilient world for him and other children.
Q: What is your favourite movie or book?
A: Since I have been a municipal councillor for the County of Kings for the last four years and a full-time student at Acadia for the last two, my reading roster has been quite technical and a little dry. I’m looking forward to having time to read anything that is funny or charming over the next few months and open to suggestions.
Q: How do you like to relax?
A: It changes with the seasons. In the spring, digging in the earth and planting seeds. In the summer, weeding and swimming. In the fall, canning food. In the winter, knitting. Reading this over again, I think I might not actually know how to relax.
Meet Your Neighbour is a regular feature that profiles area residents. Want to suggest someone that should be featured? Email your idea to scott.doherty@saltwire.com.