Apt timing for Clarke
CBRM Mayor Cecil Clarke is considering running for the leadership of the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party. No surprise there.
The bigger story would have been if he wasn’t interested in vying for the job held for the past seven years by Jamie Baillie. Let’s face it, when it comes to politics, Clarke has rarely met a race he didn’t like. He’s put his name on the ballot at the federal, provincial and municipal levels. And far more often than not, he’s won.
But the party leadership? That’s uncharted waters. Up to this point in his political career, the 49-year-old Sydney Mines native has only courted votes close to home.
Still, the timing for Clarke couldn’t be better.
The provincial PC party seems to be on the upswing. Midway through his second term as mayor, he is building up a resume that might carry as much weight as any potential opponent’s.
Take fiscal responsibility, a subject near and dear to some voters’ hearts. During Clarke’s time in office, spend- ing in CBRM has stayed below inflation. More than $20 million in debt reduction has been achieved, freeing up capital for the municipality’s biggest single-year construction season this year. Debt servicing, which was more than $18 million annually, will drop to $11.5 million in 2018.
Achievements on the governmentto- government front include the $58-million Sydney Harbour West wastewater project, the $20-million second cruise ship berth, working with the province to keep the Cape Breton rail line in place and a commitment from the province to move the Nova Scotia Community College Marconi campus downtown. That ability to hammer out deals takes negotiating skill.
Clarke has been working closely with the province on a charter for CBRM. This could happen in 2018.
Clarke, no doubt, takes much pride in engaging the private sector to invest in Cape Breton. The list of developments under his watch includes a controversial shipyard expansion in North Sydney, revitalizing Sydport as the site of a new tug service and federal marine recycling program, Ambassatours investments, Westjet air service and a new Arctic cruise line to Sydney (One Ocean Expeditions).
He also has plenty of provincial experience as a minister in a number of portfolios, and as Speaker of the House. Clarke has his detractors (i.e., too many closed-door meetings). Every politician does, including the only declared candidate to date, Pictou East MLA Tim Houston.
The political landscape may change dramatically before the leadership race takes place — if, say, a highprofile candidate like Peter Mackay entered the fray.
At this point, however, one could argue Cecil Clarke has as good a chance as anyone to assume the mantle from Baillie and to position himself as possibly the next premier.
Now, who’s got their eyes on the mayor’s job?