Hants County is where it’s happening: Dexter

By Christy Marsters

The Hants Journal/NovaNewsNow.com

Hants County has a lot going for it right now, says Nova Scotia Opposition leader Darrell Dexter, but access to healthcare, education and rural development planning are seen as significant issues for residents.

Dexter visited The Hants Journal office Nov. 23 prior to attending the Hants West nomination meeting in Falmouth.

What is interesting about this area is -- as a result of the twinning of Highway 101-- Hants County is becoming the urban shadow for those who want to work in Halifax but would still rather reside in rural areas, Dexter said. “This is where development is taking place.”

However, there will be issues associated with growth and infrastructure to deal with and there has to be cautionary programs set in place with municipal governments to ensure the money is there, Dexter said, “with a clear partnership plan around infrastructure.”

Hants County in general has a great opportunity to take advantage of this location, Dexter added. “Resources for industry here are still strong. It’s more important to concentrate on local strengths as they will prove to be the secret to getting through this economic storm.”

The Hants West NDP selected a new candidate later that afternoon.

Donna Smyth nominated Kempt Shore resident Barbara Gallagher, a former teacher of various schools in Hants County, and former candidate Sean Bennett seconded the nomination. Gallagher was acclaimed in the position. “I’m excited to win,” Gallagher said. “But, it is a huge responsibility and commitment.”

However, being the NDP candidate for Hants West is just one person and one part of a team helping to solve many concerns already put forth by citizens in Hants County, Gallagher said. “I feel the NDP offers the best alternative to what we have. I believe we are the party who will put families first when it comes to improving the quality of life in Nova Scotia.”

Gallagher touched on a number of issues in her nomination speech, one that, in her opinion, would help to better the future for all Nova Scotians. Some of these issues included health costs, environmental responsibilities such as a legislative ban on uranium mining, sustainable food supplies, educational changes and additional funds to be offered for low-income families. “Just increasing health expenditures isn’t going to solve these problems,” Gallagher said. “Right now, we have health expenditures that are exceeding the rate of increase for revenue growth. And, there are many preventative measures we can put in place to help.”