Thank you so very much for your support in the October election.  I am honoured by the trust you have placed in me to represent your interests at the Municipal Council.  I especially enjoyed meeting many of you during the campaign.  I may not recognize some you when we meet again and if so, I would like to apologize in advance.  If you see me around please feel free to speak or inform me of any concerns that you may have.
                                               
It is important that we extend our thanks to Paulette Scott for her 14 years of community service.  I believe that all people who get involved in community service for the benefit of their fellow citizens should be recognized.  It can be more demanding than most of us realize; therefore, thank you again Paulette.

The first month has involved meetings, preparation for meetings or orientation work almost every day.  There has been more work than I anticipated, however, I am making progress.

Economic Development:
All Councillors are very aware of the need for economic development and we are considering all avenues at our disposal to make this happen; such as, promoting the Municipality as a great place to live and do business; working on initiatives to encourage more tourism; developing an Integrated Community Sustainability Plan; etc.  I believe that there are opportunities to do more secondary processing of our fishery resources; opportunities for environmentally friendly power generation projects and much more.  We are only limited by our imagination and our determination to make something happen.  If you have ideas, lets talk and see what can be done.
 
Health Care:
The Municipality of the District of Shelburne is working with other local government representatives to improve our access to health care services.  To date, a new Nurse Practitioner has been employed for Shelburne County.  Call 875-2321 for an appointment.

There has been some success in recruiting a new doctor.  Hopefully I will be able to confirm success in this regard by the time of my next bulletin.  The committee is also looking at establishing a new medical clinic to help with attracting and retaining physicians.

Hi-speed Internet:                
Eastlink has the rights to deliver hi-speed internet to the residents of the Municipality and this is to be completed by the end of 2009.  Eastlink will notify people when the service is available in an area.  When this occurs people will book an appointment with Eastlink to connect the service.  Council was assured that the cost would be very reasonable.  Like most people, I can’t wait!

Tips:
Seniors receiving GIS may qualify for a Provincial Tax rebate up to $400.00 on property taxes.  Call 1-877-296-9338 or the Municipality Tax Office at 875-3544.

Another program aimed at assisting many residents is the HeatSmart Program.  Application forms are available from the Motor Vehicle Office, Shelburne or check online at www.HeatSmart.ca or phone 1-800-670-4357.  People with individual incomes under $27,000 or household incomes under $42,000 could qualify for a rebate up to $450 (oil, propane, gas) or $150 (electricity, other fuels).

Financial Information:
The following is provided so that you may have some insight into the operation of the Municipality so that you may express your views on the direction Council should be taking when it comes to preparing the 2009/2010 budget.  We need to remember that many households are living on a fixed income, especially seniors. (Income linked to the Consumer Price Index)

2008/09 Administrative budget up	$69,219 over 06/07 - 22%
2008/09 Fire Protection budget up	$49,696 over 06/07 - 15.8%
2008/09 Transportation budget up	$23,835 over 06/07 - 12%
2008/09 Recreation budget up	$50,003 over 06/07 - 33%
2008/09 Fiscal Services budget up	$104,695 over 06/07 - 96%

Community Improvement:
When I was campaigning some residents raised concerns that some graveyards in District Six are not being maintained.  It is sad to see cemeteries being neglected since this is the last resting place of the people who built our communities.  I know some cemeteries are very well maintained, but I would like to see all of the cemeteries in District Six well maintained; therefore, I would like to suggest that we form a committee to raise money to help look after all graveyards.  The money raised could be shared on some equitable basis; ie., per grave site.  Funds raised would be in addition to any contribution from the Councillor’s Grant Fund which was already  fully expended for this year when I took office.  Please let me know if you believe this is a good idea and if you are willing to help.

Meeting:
I will be hosting a public meeting on Tuesday, December 10th, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the former St. Peter’s Church Hall in West Green Harbour to discuss any issues you would like to discuss.  I realize that it may be a bad time to hold a meeting, but I would at least like to provide an opportunity for us to meet.  Hopefully some people will be able to attend.

I would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  My thoughts and best wishes are especially with the fishermen (women).  I hope that you will have a safe and successful fishing season.

Please call me if you have any municipal issues to discuss.

Yours Respectfully,

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