It has now been five months since you elected me to represent you.  I have learned a lot.  In fact, I am still learning, but I feel much more confident that I am able to represent your interests at Council.  I believe that I am making a meaningful contribution on the many issues that come before Council and my ability to represent you will increase as I gain greater insight into the many issues. 

It is said that self praise is no praise, therefore, I will not try to illustrate specific work that I have done on your behalf.  I would just remind you that Council meetings are open to the public.  Further, I would invite you to ask me if at any time you have any questions regarding what I am doing to represent you. 

I would like to extend my condolences to Coral (Mrs. William) Cotter and all the Cotter family on the passing of Bill.  Regrettably, I did not learn of his passing until almost two weeks after the event.  Obviously, I need to improve my ability to stay informed on events in District Six.

Having said that I hope that you will understand when I tell you that I will be away from April 1st until May 5th.  Carol and I are taking a cruise from Dubai to London, England.  We started arranging this trip long before I even thought of running for Council.  I feel guilty about being away for such an extended period, however, I will stay informed on issues via the internet.  Councillor Cathy Holmes (Ph. 875-4197) (Email: cholmes@municipalityofshelburne.ca) has kindly agreed to assist me if anyone requires assistance during my absence.  Please do not hesitate to contact Cathy.

Power Outages:  
Council has taken a very pro-active approach to prevent further extended power outages in the Municipality of Shelburne(MDS) by having the Operations Manager, Nova Scotia Power(NSP), Dwight Banks, appear before Council and explain the action they are taking to ensure our residents will not be left in the dark again for such an extended period.  Alan Richardson, Vice President, Commercial Operations, NSP,  followed this up with a letter outlining their plans for line maintenance to prevent future outages.  Regrettably, NSP failed to specifically state the cause(s) for all the power outages in MDS and they did not comment on Council’s request to re-establish a line maintenance crew in Shelburne.  Council is writing a follow-up letter looking for  specific answers to these and other questions so that we may hold NSP accountable to provide a better service.

Economic Development:
In order to support our lobster fishermen, MDS passed a motion declaring 2009 “The Year of the Lobster”.  Further, a letter is being written to Premier MacDonald requesting the province pass a similar declaration.  MDS will be promoting the consumption of lobsters at various community activities throughout the year.

Health Care:
As mentioned in my previous newsletter, MDS has a new Nurse Practitioner employed for Shelburne County.  Call 875-2321 for an appointment.  For those people requiring a family physician, Dr. Heidar Sadeghi, (known as, Dr. Henry)(Ph 742-4365) is completing his orientation at the Ocean View Family Practice in Yarmouth.  He will be moving to Shelburne in July 2009, however, he is available to take new patients now.

Tips:
Are you aware of the Family Pharmacare Program?  It is based upon your earnings.  You pay the full price for your medications up to a set deductible, then a percentage to another deductible, after which your medications are free.  Phone 1-877-330-0323 or www.nspharmacare.ca to register.

If you are caring for a loved one, the Roseway Leisure & Support Services offers day care services.  The cost is $15.00 for a full day and $5.00 for a half day.  There may be other services based on individual needs.  Phone 875-4707, ext. 238 for information.

Financial Information:
Council will soon begin its work on the budget for the new fiscal year.  It seems that we will end this fiscal year with a small surplus.  All property owners have received their 2009 assessments for tax purposes.  These assessments are based upon January 1st, 2007 market values.  I am sure that we are all concerned over the increase in property values, however, an increase in property values does not automatically convert to an increase in taxes.  My review indicates that the Market Value for most property owners increased by approximately 15%, whereas, the Capped Value for taxes was held to less than 3.4% in accordance with the NS Consumer Price Index(NSCPI).  Council must justify any increase in taxes.  I will not support an increase in taxes unless there is some very exceptional circumstance of which I am not currently aware.

Community Improvement:
My concern over the condition of some of the graveyards in the area has not diminished.  I will continue to pursue this issue in the future.  I am open to consider all suggestions anyone may have on how to deal with this problem.

Meeting:
I will be hosting a public meeting on Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 10:00 AM at the former St. Peter’s Church Hall in West Green Harbour to discuss any issues you would like to discuss.

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

Yours Respectfully,

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