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Linda Mosher
- 'The division of the municipality into two units with smaller councils to better serve the rural and urban communities more effectively and efficiently.' Select 'Yes' if you support dividing the municipality in this manner, or 'No' if you oppose the division.
No. There could be some minor tweaking of boundaries/districts, however, I think people have to get over amalgamation. We are now a fairly large sized municipality and as such are now given more say in national matters, i.e, we are now part of the Big Cities Mayor's group. Splitting us brings us back to small town status. In addition, the province has only amalgamated one other municipal unit. There are 55 municipalities in the province and 441 elected representatives. Unfortunately each representative has a vote and a say at the municipal level. The province takes direction from the body that represents municipalities, UNSM. The smaller we are, the more diluted our needs and views will become. We have over 40% of the population and 50% of the revenues and as Halifax Regional Municipality we have a greater influence on policy formulation. The Conference Board of Canada has determined that we are the economic engine for Atlantic Canada and that investment in HRM not only benefits the province of N.S., but the entire Atlantic Provinces. Again, splitting us up takes away this power and proven influence. Lastly, when potential employers and employees look to locating to HRM they look at a myriad of factors, such as downtown, recreation opportunities, parks, etc. HRM provides a vast array of attractive, quality of life amenities. Splitting us up would again reduce our attractiveness.
- 'Tax reform that more closely aligns taxes with the actual cost of services delivered.'Select 'Yes' if you support reforming taxes in this manner, or select 'No' if you oppose.
No. I am supportive of tax reform but it cannot be stated in such a black/white manner. There are areas that have to be considered. In my opinion everyone deserves a basic package of services, i.e, fire protection, policing, solid waste, snow plowing, etc. but enhanced services should be more user pay. We can't solely look at service provision but the level of service. I.e, one community may have bus service albeit at a minimal service level and the only can have 20 minute, superior service level. Differing rates should apply with differing levels but assigning actual costs would be difficult.
- 'More aggressive development of the Arts and Culture sector by committing a minimum of 1% of the annual municipal budget to this sector.' Select 'Yes' if you support committing a minimum of 1% of the annual municipal budget to the Arts and Culture sector, or 'No' if you oppose.
No. As a daughter of an artist and a big supporter of arts and culture, at first blush this question sounds like a no-brainer, of course I would support it. However, if you look at a $650,000,000 million budget then 1% would end of being almost double what our capital budget was last year for parks, playground and recreation. So no, I cannot support 1%. I support increasing funding for this sector and looking at partnerships and provisions in contracts such as development agreements.
- 'The creation of the position of Chief Sustainability Officer with the necessary authority and budget to ensure Halifax becomes the most sustainable city in Canada by 2020.' Select 'Yes' if you support creating the position of Chief Sustainability Officer as described in this statement, or 'No' if you oppose.
Yes. I will support HRM's on-going sustainability initiatives such as the Alderney 5 project, new sustainable options such as wind power,etc. As we have 40% of Nova Scotia's population, we should be the leader for the province and set very aggressive targets. The province should partner with HRM to meet these targets throughout Nova Scotia. I would support a position of Chief Sustainability Officer. Currently we partner with UNSM and the province to fund a sustainability employee/office. HRM should have greater control and more employees working directly on these issues.
- 'The development of an integrated intercultural strategy to attract and retain immigrants and to better support disadvantaged groups within our community.' Select 'Yes' if you support developing an integrated intercultural strategy to attract and retain immigrants, and to better support disadvantaged groups within our community, or select 'No' if you oppose.
Yes. HRM is not a very diverse municipality. We need to become more attractive for immigrants to not only move here but to stay here instead of relocating elsewhere in Canada. It is my feeling that part of the reason immigrants leave is that we do not support their diversity, nor do we provide integration opportunities for them. Halifax needs to celebrate the rich diversity we have and find ways for everyone to embrace, understand and respect the traditions and cultures that contribute to our municipality's vibrancy. Recently I met with a resident who is charged with diversity training. I contacted several individuals and groups on her behalf, such as Department of Immigration, Chamber of Commerce, and HRM in order to develop a strategy to assist. She will be presenting at Regional Council (for the general public) and conducting training for the new Council and HRM Management. I will continue to partner with appropriate people and agencies. In addition, if you look at evidence shown from the Mayor's Task Force on Violence, we do not do a good job at HRM and I would work with the Mayor and Council the ensure that this changes.
- 'The creation of a transportation authority to develop and implement a long-term comprehensive transportation strategy that integrates all modes of transportation.' Select 'Yes' if you support creating a transportation authority as described in this statement, or 'No' if you oppose.
Yes. We need a transportation authority. HRM has developed an aggressive, 5-year , $155 million transportation plan. We developed a 25-year Regional Plan that has a Transportation Plan as a vital component. It would be great to have an independent body to implement this plan and continually work on transportation priorities. This would ensure that residents needs and priorities were addressed and also ensure greater public understanding of projects and why they are being implemented and the alternatives. A few years ago the Province of Nova Scotia was going to partner with HRM and have a comprehensive transportation strategy. I would work with HRM staff and the CAO to ensure that the province makes this a priority and works with HRM to establish a Transportation Authority or similar body.
- 'The adoption of a more transparent and streamlined development process as proposed by the HRM by Design initiative.' Do you support or oppose adopting a more transparent and streamlined development process in this manner?
Yes. It is important to have an open, transparent development process. In order to attract investment and continued development we need a streamlined process. We also need to have the Utility & Review Board review their development appeal process as this is causing extreme delays in projects. I will continue to work with HRM's CAO and Executive Management team who are directly responsible for this issue and are working on improving time lines and processes.
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