Hantsport’s Robbie Zwicker honoured for political service to community
With 11 years of serving constituents on council, Robbie Zwicker won’t be putting his name forward for the upcoming election.
Zwicker, who helped lead Hantsport through the dissolution of its town charter in 2015, was honoured at West Hants council Jan. 14 for his political service to the municipality. Warden Abraham Zebian presented Zwicker with a scroll of recognition from the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities.
“This scroll of recognition acknowledges a significant contribution to the institution of local government, further acknowledges a commitment to the philosophy goals and activities of the Nova Scotia Federation of Municipalities,” said Zebian in making the presentation.
“So that's quite the achievement Coun. Zwicker. You put a lot of time, a lot of energy and dedication in all the years as councillor, (and) mayor of the former town of Hantsport. I know we've leaned on you as a council this last three and a half years,” he continued.
“I think you're very wellrespected amongst this table and amongst your colleagues and staff and province-wide. You know, you're a great asset to us in West Hants; you're a great asset to the community of Hantsport and you are loved for it.”
Following the meeting, Zwicker said it was an honour to be recognized. He first joined
Hantsport council in 2008, was elected as mayor in 2012, guided the former town through the dissolution process, joined West Hants council as Hantsport’s representative in 2015 and then was formally elected in 2016 to West Hants council.
When looking back at his political career, he said the successful dissolution of the former town definitely makes the highlight reel.
“There was some long faces and gnashing of… teeth and we managed to pull it off. The infrastructure we've put into the community has been incredible and it's going to continue for years to come. And it's now a sustainable community in which to live in,” he said.
At the time of dissolution, Hantsport had been hit hard with industrial closures, resulting in a considerable loss in tax revenue. After the municipal government was absorbed by West Hants and transition funding from the province kicked in, several expensive infrastructure projects were able to be completed.
“I enjoyed my years of service; I'm looking forward to retirement from municipal service,” Zwicker said. “We had a tough slog in Hantsport and we managed through and things are as good or better than ever. So, I'm proud of what I was able to do with the councils of the day and happy to leave it to someone else.”
In March, citizens of both Windsor and West Hants will be going to the polls to elect a new regional council as the two municipal entities merge.