Grand Manan Mayoral Candidate: Bonnie Morse
1. What is your vision for the municipality over the next four years, and how will you measure success?
Grand Manan is the best place to live and I want to see that continue over the next four years (and beyond). My vision for the island is to retain the sense of community that makes this such a great place to be. Grand Manan has always been resilient when adapting to change and as we see global changes unfolding that skill will be more important than ever. I will measure success as a municipality if we continue to support the community through development and change to ensure that our island continues to thrive.
2. How will you balance fiscal responsibility with maintaining and improving municipal services?
This balance is at the heart of every budget discussion. One of the ways this council has balanced it is by operating services in-house rather than contracting them out. This has allowed the sharing of equipment and personnel without duplicating or having an overcapacity. Creating a Public Works department to maintain the roads would be an example. It is also important to look at alternative revenue options that may offset some costs, such as the contract to collect and deliver recycling from the island. The key component in both those examples (and others) is a willingness to be open to new ideas and the potential benefits they might bring.
3. What is your strategy for long-term infrastructure planning and funding?
New and existing infrastructure can be a challenge for municipal budgets. Grand Manan has a major project in the runway extension in the environmental approval process and the resurfacing of anticipated roads in the very near future. With the uncertainty of prices, particularly oil, it is challenging to plan beyond those immediate needs. For me, the next project after those would be the refurbishment of the Victoria Park pool. To complete this (particularly given the financial commitments for the aforementioned projects) it will be vital to source other funds to supplement funds from the village.
4. Many communities in the region are experiencing population changes, including aging populations, affordability issues, homelessness. How will your leadership address workforce retention and attract new residents?
All of these issues are challenging to address regardless of the level of government. There is no “quick fix”; a multifaceted approach is required. A project I started last year that I am excited to see continue is an investigation into the island’s water table and water sources. As last summer’s drought showed, it is imperative to protect our drinking water sources. If we are able to identify where the primary water sources are, it could allow projects that would enhance those areas; ie, holding ponds, etc., so water does not drain off as quickly. Access to water is key to any housing development, so I see this as an important step toward addressing housing shortages, particularly long-term rentals for those moving to the island to join the workforce.
5. Describe a difficult decision you’ve made in a leadership role. How will that experience inform your approach as mayor?
Being a Mayor is less about making decisions and more about strategic thinking and providing leadership. Decisions are made by Council as a whole and I see my leadership style collaborative to try and work towards the best outcome. A difficult decision that impacted our community was the closure of the only bank on the island. While Council did everything possible to try and maintain a banking presence on the island ultimately the choice was out of our control. What was within our control was deciding how to respond. Our choice was to work with Scotiabank to the extent possible, ultimately taking ownership of the building. We were able to partner with a local company that created a wellness centre that provides health care services that were not available on the island. Instead of an empty shell on the main road, it has become a vibrant centre that benefits the community.
6. Why should voters trust you to lead the municipality at this time?
Voters should trust me to lead the municipality because I have proven over the past 5 years as Mayor, and 9 years before that on council, that I care deeply about this community. I have always tried to be available to talk to anyone about whatever issue was at the forefront for them. I have successfully been an advocate for the island at the regional, provincial and federal tables. I believe in working to find solutions that will benefit all parties as much as possible. I’m always proud to say that I am from Grand Manan in whatever room I’m in. It has been an honour to serve this island over the past 14 years and I hope to be able to do so for the next four.
