My Time as
Deputy Mayor
Together We Can Build Safe, Healthy, Active Communities
My Time as
Deputy Mayor
Together We Can Build Safe, Healthy, Active Communities
During this past term in Council, I was privileged to serve in the position of
Deputy Mayor from November 2018 to November 2019.
The position included a variety of additional responsibilities to my Councillor role such as a weekly priorities meeting with the Mayor and his staff, participating in agenda review to set the council agenda, sitting on the executive committee, numerous speaking engagements, attending many events across the municipality and hosting dignitaries from around the world, including the ambassadors to China and Mexico.
Along with the many positive experiences during my term as Deputy Mayor, I was also directly involved in some tragic events. During the Mayor’s absence from HRM, a devastating fire in Spryfield resulted in the loss of the seven children from the Barho family. Our entire municipality and country felt the sadness of this tragedy. Along with the Mayor’s staff, I organized a vigil in the Parade Square and the funeral at the Cunard Centre. Although our hearts were broken, I was extremely proud of how our municipality came together as one community to support the Barho family.
Later in my term as Deputy Mayor, HRM experienced Hurricane Dorian which brought heavy rain, strong winds, and a storm surge, resulting in millions of dollars of property damage. Together with the Emergency Measures Office and Divisional Chief Erica Fleck, I took on the municipal leadership role during this crisis. I represented the municipality at Provincial press conferences, attended daily hurricane briefings, and served as the communication link to council members.
Reflections on my role as Deputy Mayor ...
My year as Deputy Mayor connected me with the entire HRM community. This experience broadened my perspective as an elected official representing all of HRM and served to enhance my abilities as your District 6 Councillor.
