CANDIDATE PROFILE
MEET BERNADETTE KNAPP CONTRIBUTED
The who: Bernadette Knapp, Middleton
THE RESUME:
I work for
Home Hardware in Middleton and have been there for almost 12 years. I enjoy the interaction with the customers on a daily basis. Before the Co-op grocery store closed, I was an employee for 13 years.
I was given the volunteer award for Annapolis County in April of 2012.
THE CONTENT:
I’ve been a resident of Middleton for a number of years. I am interested in giving back to my community. I have volunteered in a leadership role for over 25 years. I’ve served on the Annapolis County 4-H council and provincial 4-H council in the past. I graduated from NSCC in 2008 with honours.
I have been involved in some of the town’s events over the years, such as the parades and bed races, along with other things.
WHAT'S THE MAIN ISSUE FACING THE TOWN OF MIDDLETON LEADING UP TO THIS SPECIAL ELECTION AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
I am not sure of the issues the Town of Middleton is facing and that is why I am running for council, to be more involved in my hometown. If anyone would like to contact me, they may do so by email: Bernadetteknapp@hotmail.com
WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING ON MIDDLETON’S TOWN COUNCIL?
At this stage of my life I feel I have the time, commitment, and qualifications to contribute on behalf of the residents of Middleton. I feel my experience with the residents of Middleton, and my knowledge of my community and surrounding areas, would be an asset in filling the eight-month term.
MEET PHILIP TOWNSEND CONTRIBUTED
The who: Philip Townsend, Middleton
THE RESUME:
I am a 28-year employee of TRA in Middleton and 28-year member of the Middleton Fire Department, currently holding the positions of captain and fire prevention officer.
I have volunteered in health and safety, engagement and social roles, as well as helped with the Relay for Life.
In 2017, I was recognized for my volunteer work within Annapolis County.
THE CONTENT:
People will know me as a lifelong resident of Middleton, heavily involved in my community and willing to help those in need.
WHAT’S THE MAIN ISSUE FACING THE TOWN OF MIDDLETON LEADING UP TO THIS SPECIAL ELECTION AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
Although there are multiple things that need to be addressed, I believe the main issue is doctors and health care.
I think as a town with a strong council, we need to focus on bringing doctors into the area. Although the provincial government has made more seats within the program, I personally think towns and municipal governments need to take it upon themselves to recruit and keep doctors.
WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING ON MIDDLETON’S TOWN COUNCIL?
I’m interested in serving on town council because I have a strong pride in my community. I’m a lifelong resident of Middleton, and I am now
I’ve owned Balanced Books Accounting Services Limited, now located on Commercial Street, for the past 20 years. I served two terms on Middleton’s town council and various sub committees, including four years as deputy mayor.
CONTRIBUTED THE CONTENT:
I graduated from Middleton Regional High School in 1983 and earned a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Saint Mary’s University. I have enjoyed volunteering with several programs and projects in Middleton, and I am an avid supporter of local recreation programs and high school sports.
WHAT’S THE MAIN ISSUE FACING THE TOWN OF MIDDLETON LEADING UP TO THIS SPECIAL ELECTION AND WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE?
I believe the main issue facing the
Town of Middleton is trying to improve the balance of providing quality services to the town residents and business owners against keeping tax rates at an affordable level. The town is required to provide basic services that we all use every day. The capital and operating costs associated with these obligations continue to rise, often faster than annual property assessment increases, but we cannot just continue to raise our tax rates. We need to concentrate on attracting more businesses to town. This will increase our tax revenue and make Middleton an even better place to live.
WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN SERVING ON MIDDLETON’S TOWN COUNCIL?
I am interested in getting back on town council because I bring logical and analytical thinking to the decision-making process. I have an interest in many areas of town life. I own a business and I enjoy the recreation services provided by the town. But I also understand that hard decisions must be made when we cannot have everything we want. This may be a short-term position but there are still important decisions to be made on the next annual budget, tax rates and capital projects. We need experience at the council table to make sure these decisions benefit all of us in the best way possible.