Longtime councillor stepping down
Troy MacCulloch will be the new CAO of a town in Alberta
NEW GLASGOW, N.S. — New Glasgow town council will have an empty seat when it meets in March.
Troy MacCulloch is stepping down from his role as Ward 1 councillor to become chief administrative officer for a town in Alberta.
MacCulloch, who has served as an elected councillor for 11 years, said he had recently gone back to school to take a municipal government course.
He said the move was partly inspired by his role as a councillor and he hopes to have more of a hands-on role as he serves the council of the town there. He said he’s always preferred to be in the operations part of any job and looks forward to “getting into the nitty-gritty” of running a municipality.
As a former councillor, he will already have an understanding of what information the mayor and councillors would like. New Glasgow’s town staff have always provided quality reports for the New Glasgow council and he said that’s something he hopes to emulate as he transitions into his new job.
During his time as councillor, MacCulloch said he enjoyed getting calls from residents and being able to help them through a situation. He said it’s also been exciting to watch the rejuvenation of the downtown.
“People seem to forget how empty downtown was 11 years ago,” he said.
It’s also been positive to see how municipalities within Pictou County are working more closely together with shared services, he said.
New Glasgow Chief Administrative Officer Lisa MacDonald said a byelection will be held for MacCulloch’s seat. Council will set a date for that at their next council meeting which is expected to be March 5. The election will be held within 11 weeks of that date and on a Saturday.
MacCulloch encourages whoever replaces him to be open.
“Try not to come in with any preconceived notions,” he said. “Be open to work with others. Collaboration is absolutely the key.”
He advises the new councillor to be prepared to learn, as well.
“Don’t be afraid to ask questions.” Town staff say they will miss him on council.
“Troy always provided positive, constructive and respectful feedback and support for the various initiatives implemented by the town,” said Geralyn MacDonald, director of community economic development. “In particular he participated and provided input to the town’s first community economic development plan. As a councillor representing Ward 1, he always ensured that the needs and interests of the citizens were addressed. He will certainly be missed and I wish him well in his new position in municipal government.”