Scott Christian is running in the Region of Queens Municipality.
Q. What is your full name?
Scott R Christian
Q. Where are you from?
Windsor, Nova Scotia
Q: What election are you running in?
Region of Queens Municipality, councillor for District 1.
Q. What did you do before you decided to run for office?
I own a consulting company that supports public and non-profit sector organizations, and I am also the father of two young boys.
Q. Why have you chosen to run in this election campaign?
My dedication to a positive future for Queens County. I am frustrated by the lack of vision, leadership, and spirit of community collaboration exhibited by our current council. I am not alone in this frustration, as shown by the number of candidates putting their names forward, there is a strong desire for change. My wife and I have put down roots in Queens, this is where we plan to raise our children, so I feel obligated to do my part to work for a prosperous future for Queens County - both environmentally and economically.
Q. What strengths would you bring to council if you are elected?
A strong voice to advocate for the best interests of my constituents and the region as a whole; a positive mindset focused on solutions; a fresh perspective based on my experiences elsewhere (I have worked for and with various levels of government, non-profit organizations, and within the business community); the determination and conviction to make important changes become a reality; and an ability to work with others in a collaborative and constructive manner, finding common ground and a path forward.
Q. What do you see as the biggest strength/asset of the community/region and what measures would you take to capitalize on them?
The awe-inspiring beauty of our natural coastline, lakes, and rivers - we need a concrete plan to develop a tourism and recreation industry that retains money spent in the local community and creates good-paying jobs, while protecting the natural environment, and respecting the concerns of residents living in the community. Shifting our thinking from an “either/or”, to a “both/and” mindset. Harbours with year-round access - we need to identify opportunities to utilize our harbours for shipping of locally produced products and goods. We have underutilized industrial sites and shipping ports, and many under/un-employed people; we need to explore and invest in emerging industries to generate opportunity from those assets. Established fisheries – we need to take strides to protect the established fisheries, that means saying no to polluters, open pen fin fish farms, and standing up for the industry that has long supported many families in our community.
Q. What do you feel is the key challenge facing the community/region and how would you work to address it?
Residents of District 1 have told me various concerns from the lack of affordable housing and assisted living accommodations, inaction on Carter’s Beach, deteriorating roadways, the threat of open pen fin fish farming and clear-cutting practices, lack of a fire service, and inappropriate waste management. I believe these issues stem from a lack of collaboration and community partnership. The region needs to build bridges between the business community, service providers, non-profit sector, grass-roots groups, adjacent municipalities as well as higher levels of government. We need to work together to find solutions to challenges and ideas for opportunity. It is only by working together that we will build a more cohesive, resilient, and supportive community – one that will foster an economic and environmentally stable future.
Q. What one message do you hope gets out to the voters during this election campaign?
Do not settle. The status quo is not good enough. Opportunity abounds, we just need to work together and believe in a brighter future to realize our collective potential. This fall I am asking the people of Queens County to get out and vote for a more hopeful future. We need new, different, more diverse perspectives on our council to set a plan in motion that will secure a prosperous future for the community at large, with no one left behind.
Q. How can people contact you?
Call 902-521-1161 / [email protected] / https://www.facebook.com/Scott-Christian-for-District-1-108169801017791
