Doug Ralph running in Annapolis Valley, District 6
Doug Ralph, who is running in The Annapolis Valley, District 6, recently provided responses to a Q&A SaltWire is providing to municipal election candidates.
Q. What’s your full name?
A. Doug Ralph
Q. What position are you running for?
A. Annapolis Valley, District 6
Q. Where are you from?
A. Originally from Ottawa but moved to Coldbrook for better opportunities.
Q. What did you do before you decided to run for office?
A. I’m currently an educator at a youth program run by the Portal + Community INC. I also work with the Kentville Business Community, am co-chair of Rowan’s Room Board of Directors and I am the creator of All Things Annapolis Valley.
Q. Why have you chosen to run in this election campaign?
A. I’m trying to make a difference for those in our community that have been told that there’s nothing that can be done for them. I want to be a voice for those in marginalized communities that the system has turned away. I also think Coldbrook, Cambridge and Waterville deserve the same amount of attention as the communities that surround them.
Q. What strengths would you bring to council if you are elected?
A. I work with youth everyday. I see their potential and I see what gets in their way of reaching it. I can help fix that. I’m surrounded by people that don’t take no for an answer, and who are truly making important changes in the Annapolis Valley. I’m a great lis
Doug Ralph.
tener and communicator. I’m the type of person who won’t ignore problems.
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. We truly live in an incredible place. The cost of living here is extremely low in comparison to other parts of the country. We have large industries that help stabilize the economy. We’re a place that values buying local and believes in our people. The Annapolis Valley is also on the verge of being a bigger tourist destination, and exporter of our goods.
Q. What one message do you hope gets out to the voters during this election campaign?
A. I made the choice early on in this campaign to do the right thing, versus the right thing to win an election. For the most part it’s been a great experience, but one of the things I didn’t do because of COVID-19, was knock on people’s doors. I feel like I missed out on getting to hear from a lot of people, and for that I’m truly sorry. I think we need to find better ways to foster community engagement.
Q. How can people contact you?
A. Phone – 902-691-0337
Email: doug@dougralph.com Website: Valleythings.ca/dougralph