click to enlarge Paul Boyd, Matt Spurway, Tony Mancini and Don Smeltzer (l-r)

The Coast

Thanks to Darren Fisher’s federal election win, residents of Harbourview-Burnside-Dartmouth East get to vote in a by-election on Saturday, January 23, to fill Fisher’s vacated city council seat. One of these four candidates will soon represent the people of District 6—at least until October, when the general municipal elections happen and the seat goes up for grabs again.

click to enlarge The AT trail along Burnside Drive near the Ramada Hotel.

HRM

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PAUL BOYD

Who are you? What is your occupation/ background?

I was born and raised in Metro, and I moved to Dartmouth in 2006. I ran once for federal nominations, city council four times and mayor twice. I’ve been a cab driver for 20 years. I choose that career path because I wanted to get out in the community and see people.

Why are you running for city council?

I feel a deep connection to the community. I’ve always been involved the community. The people in my area want me to get involved. People said “we like your ideas and we want you to give it a shot for us.”

What are the issues affecting District 6 that you are most concerned about?

The branding of Dartmouth as Halifax. They want to keep the community name as Dartmouth and not have one super-Halifax. We also need more police presence to have greater security.

If elected, what would be the first goal in your agenda?

To see the books and see how the money is being managed. We should know where we are sitting financially to know what we’re dealing with.

If you were going to space and could only take three things what would they be?

A camera or a device like my iPhone, a really good book and a picture of my family.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I was born with a learning disability. I learned to overcome my disability and move forward with my life and be a successful member of society.

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TONY MANCINI

Who are you? What is your occupation/ background?

I grew up in Cape Breton and came to HRM in the early ’80s. I lived in Dartmouth for about 21 years. I am the co-owner of Priority Management in Atlantic Canada, and I’ve been doing that for 28 years.

Why are you running for city council?

My love of HRM and Dartmouth. I’ve worked all over, but we live and and work in a special place. It was the right time for me to take the community to the next level.

What are the issues affecting District 6 that you are most concerned about ?

With me being a small business owner, I’d like to help them be more successful. We need to be fair on how we tax small business. I’d also like to work on having fewer cars in the downtown core, but improvements have to be made with public transportation.

If elected, what would be the first goal in your agenda?

Improving the welcoming of immigrants and refugees. I’d also develop groups and work with existing groups that help newcomers. I’m a product of immigrants, and I want to make transitioning easier for them.

If you were going to space and could only take three things what would they be?

If not landing I’d take a picture of my family, my collection of music and a jersey of my favorite hockey team. If I’m landing I’d take a picture of my family, mountain bike and sea kayak.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a Second Dan black belt in tae kwon do and I’ve competed locally and nationally.

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DON SMELTZER

Who are you? What is your occupation/ background?

I was born in Dartmouth, and I live in District 6. I’m married with five growing kids. I’ve been employed at Dalhousie as an educator and director of the Maritime Municipal Training and Development board for 26 years. For the past 13 years I’ve been working as a municipal management consultant. I have always been interested in the public school systems, and I teach in the classroom as a substitute teacher.

Why are you running for city council?

I have a sincere interest in serving the community. I understand how municipal government works. I have the knowledge, experience, commitment and integrity to serve District 6.

What are the issues affecting District 6 that you are most concerned about?

It’s a diverse community and issues are diverse. It depends who you talk to—transportation, traffic, jobs, housing, recreation, crime, the cost of living, drug use and devastation of the arts community. I think it’s important for councillors to be ethical and open to ideas.

If elected, what would be the first goal in your agenda?

There is no first goal, there are many goals. I will try to represent all of the HRM people and issues.

If you were going to space and could only take three things what would they be?

It depends on how long the journey is. I’d take food, water, laptop, music, books and a furry friend like a dog or cat.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

Not everyone knows I’ve been a member of ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists).

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MATT SPURWAY

Who are you? What is your occupation/ background?

I’ve been married for 14 years. Eight years ago, we moved back to Nova Scotia to Woodlawn, the neighbourhood I grew up in. I had a 15-year career in retail management. Before that I worked at an independent paint store in Toronto. For the past four-and-a-half years I was the community outreach assistant to the Member of Parliament Robert Chisholm.

Why are you running for city council?

I’m doing this because I want to get things done that help make our city more affordable, livable and inclusive. I have an immense pride in this place and a firm belief that we can do better.

What are the issues affecting District 6 that you are most concerned about?

Affordability, public safety, accessibility and transit.

If elected, what would be the first goal in your agenda?

To get the six-month low-income transit pass pilot up and running. It’s not perfect but it’s the next step to establish a permanent program that makes sure everyone who needs transit can afford it.

If you were going to space and could only take three things what would they be?

Based on my hypothetical understanding of space, I would take a lightsabre, a Klingon dictionary and a towel.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

I was on Street Cents a couple of times back in the ’90s.