Denise Bonnell running in Kings County
Denise Bonnell, a candidate in Kings County, recently provided responses to a Q&A SaltWire is providing to municipal election candidates.
Q. What’s your full name?
A. Denise Bonnell
Q. What position are you running for?
A. Councillor for District 6 – Municipality of the County of Kings
Q. Where are you from?
A. I was raised in Cape Breton, but I have called the Annapolis Valley home since 1999.
Q. What did you do before you decided to run for office?
A. I currently work at Acadia University, advising students through their academic careers. Additionally, I officiate weddings here in the valley as a justice of the peace and I manage the online presence for a local cidery. Prior to this, I was the town clerk for the Town of Wolfville.
Q. Why have you chosen to run in this election campaign?
A. I have felt a calling to public service since before I could vote. I received my first introduction to political life as a page in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly during my university years. In the nearly 30 years since, I have acquired an abundance of experiences in business, in government, and in life.
Q. What strengths would you bring to council if you are elected?
A. Compassion. Knowledge. Tenacity. Those qualities have driven me to accomplish many professional and personal goals. I am passionate about active living, and I am a former board member of the Valley Harvest Marathon and of Bicycle Nova Scotia.
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. Our people. Kings County is rich with natural beauty, protected farmlands, thriving small and large businesses, world-class tourism, and a plethora of community recreation. I want to help people to continue to grow these assets, and I believe that politics should not interfere with the good work being done by the people in our community.
Q. What one message do you hope gets out to the voters during this election campaign?
A. I am here to listen and to bring your voice to the council table. With an aging population in Nova Scotia, we have been fortunate to see our population rise here in Kings County. That’s not been by chance, but rather through some careful planning by our friends and neighbours to tell people about the great things happening right here at home. To support this growth, we need to have the proper infrastructure and supports in place. And so, I will listen to your suggestions, concerns, and wishes, and ensure that your voice is heard when Council deliberates the future.
Q. How can people contact you?
A. Telephone: 902.678.6248. Email: denisebonnellforcouncil@gmail.com. Facebook: @BonnellKingsCounty. Instagram: @denisekingscounty