Dean Tupper running in Kings County
Dean Tupper, who is running in District 1, Kings County, recently provided responses to a Q&A SaltWire is providing to municipal election candidates
Q. What’s your full name? A. Dean Russell Tupper
Q. Where are you from?
A. I was born in Kings County, Nova Scotia – in Kentville and have lived in Kings County for my whole life.
Q. What did you do before you decided to run for office?
A. I work with the NS Federation of Labour as an advocate for occupational health and safety and the Workers Compensation Board making sure that employees get their due benefits and protection.
Q. Why have you chosen to run in this election campaign?
A. As someone who has lived in Kings County my whole life, I am familiar with the way things happen (or don’t happen) around here. I am frustrated with the lack of forward movement from the Council on many issues but mainly on those supporting and mandating infrastructure development and improvement (everything from high speed internet to public toilets!). It seems rural Kings County is always last to see any changes or benefits. The COVID situation has shown that we can be an attractive place for new businesses, but we have been slow to respond to new opportunities.
Q. What strengths would you bring to council if you are elected?
A. I have 30 years of experience and formal training in negotiation and conflict resolution and have a can-do approach. If elected, I will use these skills to get things actually happening for once, our current council talks a lot and gets little done. I know the history of this riding and its past unresolved issues better than any other candidate and am committed to improving things.
Q. What do you see as the biggest strength/asset of the community/region and what measures would you take to capitalize on them?
A. It sounds corny but the people of Kings County and the sense of community we have here are a huge asset, there are so many diverse community initiatives here for people of all ages. I will strive to build on and grow this. Obviously, the fact that we are part of the biggest farming community in Nova Scotia is also a real strength. We do need to work more closely with our farmers and not make annoying and unnecessary zoning changes that get them all riled up. Remember - we are all on the same side.
Q. How can people contact you?
A. Phone – 902-670-5519 E-mail – dean@deantuppercampaign.ca
Website – www.deantuppercampaign.ca