Muttart running for mayor of Kings County
Peter Muttart, who is re-offering as mayor of Kings County, recently provided responses to a Q&A SaltWire is providing to municipal election candidates.
Q. What’s your full name?
A. Peter Muttart
Q. Where are you from?
A. Starrs Point / Port Williams, Kings County, NS
Q. What did you do before you decided to run for office?
A. Reoffering.
Q. Why have you chosen to run in this election campaign?
A. Major projects were begun in the last few years, but are not complete. I hope to assist in sheparding those projects to completion and continue to be a catalyst for further economic, ecological and social enhancements in the Kings Region.
Q. What strengths would you bring to council if you are elected?
A. 1. A history of fair and measured management of the governance and business of council, together with open, cooperative initiatives throughout the municipality; and 2. An ability and desire to work with a progressive council and civic-minded population to achieve the key strategic priorities of our population and the region.
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. The Municipality of Kings has a population of over 50,000 people. 20 per cent of our land base is under agricultural cultivation. While we are heavily invested (agriculturally) in apples, we are beginning to become a recognized region for vineyards and wine. Agriculture has spun off a variety of associated service industries. We have a significant shoreline along the Minas Basin and Bay of Fundy that supports a healthy fishery. We have institutions of higher education, a first-class school system, several significant industries that are of a scale such as to be of considerable influence on our economy, but not so large that we are dependant on them to the extent that economic downturns would have drastic impact on our over-all economy. As well, we have, within our jurisdiction, two significant armed forces bases. We continue to attract and welcome newcomers who add to the economic and social diversification of the region. In short, the fiscal and social stability of the region assures its future, provided that it is valued and nourished by governments and persons at all levels of influence (again, culturally and economically). There is considerable pride amongst our people: pride that spurs volunteerism and a desire to be good neighbours and provide a welcoming atmosphere for immigrants and a tolerance of all races, genders and nationalities. We capitalize on these assets through constant nourishment – ensuring that none are taken for granted and ensuring that our several sustaining social and economic basics remain healthy and secure. We must all be engaged.