Engaged in his community
Harrison Duffy follows in footsteps of his grandparents, father serving on Kinkora's council
KINKORA – Harrison Duffy is proving that age is only a number.
At 19, Duffy is in his fourth year operating his own business – Somerset Ice Cream Bar – and earlier this week he became the youngest member of the current Rural Municipality of Kinkora council.
“The community has been great to support me in my business,” Duffy told The Guardian.
“A big part of a community is giving back and making sure people know you respect their support.
“I feel, by being on council, I’ll be able to show some support, give back that way and offer my time.”
Duffy said the timing was right for him to take a run at a council seat.
He said he is at a point in his life where he can contribute the time and bring forth some new ideas.
FAMILY TRADITION
The son of Robert and Karen Duffy will also be adding to a family legacy in Kinkora municipal politics.
His late grandparents, St. Clair and Clara Duffy, served on council and as chairpersons of the community for approximately 35 years, combined.
His father, who is the current mayor and has served with the municipal government for over 20 years, said Harrison took a keen interest in governance early in his life.
“I’m sure if he could have got elected when he was 11 or 12 years old, he would have let his name go,” said Robert.
“He’s been very active in the community with seniors for the last 10 or 12 years.
“My father was a big advocate of the municipal council in the community. I’ve always said my father is never going to be dead as long as Harrison is walking around.”
Harrison will participate in his first council meeting on May 31. He also sees no issues working with his father.
“I work with Dad and his company, Duffy Construction, through the winter,” said Harrison, who is planning on returning to school to study business.
“Dad and I work very well together, and I’m quite excited to work alongside him on the council.”
GETTING INVOLVED
Although many people Harrison’s age may have little or no interest in entering politics, he feels it is necessary to be involved in the community he has lived in all his life.
The 2020 graduate of Kinkora Regional High School has been active in local events and festivals over the years.
“Whenever my interest started to spike in municipal politics, I figured it was a good way to get in and learn a bit of the ropes when I was young and go from there,” said Harrison.
Tina Harvey, Kinkora’s chief administrative officer and a former mayor of the municipality, said it is encouraging to see young people interested in getting involved at the council level.
“Having someone young like Harrison on the council may get the youth engaged more in the community,” said Harvey.
“It’s a definite bonus.”
Robert agreed, saying Harrison will be able to bring a perspective from the young people.
He also said, with older council members, sometimes the interests of young people can slip through the cracks.
“Having someone of Harrison’s age, he’s going to bring stuff forward that the young people want and is lacking in the community,” Robert said.
“I think it’s very important that all councils look at bringing on a young person as a councillor at some point in time.”
Jessica Reeves, who taught Harrison in Grades 10, 11 and 12 at KRHS, described Harrison as an ambitious, hard worker.
“He’s always shown a maturity level beyond his years,” said Reeves.
“He has natural leadership ability for sure.
“It probably comes from his upbringing and his family that community is really important, and it’s important to give back to your community.
“His family is very communityminded, and he naturally has that. He naturally wants to help others.”
“The community has been great to support me in my business. A big part of a community is giving back and making sure people know you respect their support. I feel, by being on council, I’ll be able to show some support, give back that way and offer my time.”
Harrison Duffy