CBRM District 9 election profiles.
This is the ninth in a series of 12 profiles of the Cape Breton Regional Municipality election districts. To read more responses from council candidates, go to www.cbpost.com.
Name: Steven James MacNeil
Age: 36
Hometown: Glace Bay
Work Life: I’m the owner of Caper’s Handmade Woodworking and Design, which I operate from a small shop next to my home. I also manage property, renting two homes in Glace Bay. In my free time, I train combat sports and volunteer in a variety of community organization.
What do you feel is the key challenge facing the community/region and how would you work to address it? Creating more opportunities is the key challenge facing our communities. We start small. Building infrastructure to attract new visitors, small bridge attaching end of South Street to Big Glace Bay beach, boardwalk along the coastline, co-operative hotel, excursions for cruise ship visitors, off- season fishing boats repurposed for harbour tours are just a few ideas. We grow our local economy as a community, focusing on become a “must visit” destination in Cape Breton.
Name: Clarence Routledge
Age: 68
Hometown: Glace Bay
Work Life: I was general manager of the Bayplex for 20 years. Prior to that I owned and operated a convenience store in Glace Bay and before that was employed with NCR as office administrator.
What do you feel is the key challenge facing the community/region and how would you work to address it?
The big challenge for the CBRM is to get our fair share of equalization payments which we are not receiving. I pledge to continue that fight. We have to look at ways to increase our population base. We have been studied to death at a huge cost. No more studies on same old questions, now is the time for action not studies.
Name: Ken
Tracey Age: 61
Hometown: Glace Bay
Work Life: I have been a community volunteer for over 40 years with strong ties to District 9 and surrounding communities. In the past I have been a business owner and teacher assistant with the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional School Board. I am presently employed by the Department of Community Services.
What do you feel is the key challenge facing the community/region and how would you work to address it?
Balancing CBRM financial challenges with the extreme needs in District 9 is a priority. The federal and provincial government have to partner with us as we prioritize our community projects. We have the highest tax rates in the province so tax reform is top on my list. Our failing infrastructure needs addressing to improve roads, sidewalks and water services. I would also like to work on much needed programs and activities for our youth.