Doug Ralph is running in The Annapolis Valley, District 6
Q. What’s your full name?
Doug Ralph
Q. What position are you running for?
Kings County, District 6
Q. Where are you from?
Originally from Ottawa but moved to Coldbrook for better opportunities.
Q. What did you do before you decided to run for office?
I’m currently an educator at a youth program run by the Portal + Community INC. I also work with the Kentville Business Community, am co-chair of Rowan’s Room Board of Directors and I am the creator of All Things Annapolis Valley.
Q. Why have you chosen to run in this election campaign?
I’m trying to make a difference for those in our community that have been told that there’s nothing that can be done for them. I want to be a voice for those in marginalized communities that the system has turned away. I want to represent them and make their voices heard. I want to contribute to truly making the Valley more inclusive. I also think Coldbrook, Cambridge, and Waterville deserve the same amount of attention as the communities that surround them. I want to be a champion for the area, and help us build up small business.
Q. What strengths would you bring to council if you are elected?
I work with youth everyday. I see their potential and I see what gets in their way of reaching it. I can help fix that. I’m surrounded by people that don’t take no for an answer, and who are truly making important changes in the Annapolis Valley. I can bring what I’ve learned from them to council. I’m a great listener and communicator. I’m the type of person who won’t ignore problems and can also help bring the best out of others. I’m full of great ideas, I will always keep the peace, but will fight for what’s right.
Q. What do you see as the biggest strength/asset of the community/region and what measures would you take to capitalize on them?
We truly live in an incredible place. Like I said above, I moved out East for opportunity, and I found it here in the Annapolis Valley. People often joke that I went the wrong way (everyone goes out West), but I think people neglect to look at some factors that make us the best place to work and play. The cost of living here is extremely low in comparison to other parts of the country. We have large industries that help stabilize the economy. We’re a place that values buying local and believes in our people. The Annapolis Valley is also on the verge of being a bigger tourist destination, and exporter of our goods. We’re in a great position to grow our region, and bounce back from the year we just had, to be bigger and better than ever. Given we have the right people guiding us.
Q. What do you feel is the key challenge facing the community/region and how would you work to address it?
We are disconnected. We are a large region, made up of smaller communities. This presents a lot of challenges, especially since we don’t always collaborate on things together that affect the Valley as a whole. I’ve worked with many of the different towns and organizations across the Valley over the years, and I know there is a lot more that can be done if we shared our recourses and ideas. I want to be in a position to do that. There’s also a huge opportunity for innovation when it comes to some of our large sectors like tourism and agriculture. The Valley is nowhere near reaching its full potential. We’re getting closer every year, but we’re also on the verge of some really great things. We just need the right people to get us there. I think I am one of those people.
Q. What one message do you hope gets out to the voters during this election campaign?
I made the choice early on in this campaign to do the right thing, versus the right thing to win an election. For the most part, it’s been a great experience, but one of the things I didn’t do because of COVID-19, was knock on people’s doors. I feel like I missed out on getting to hear from a lot of people, and for that, I’m truly sorry. I think we need to find better ways to foster community engagement. There’s no way candidates can knock on everyone’s door for every issue that comes up. I hate the idea that it’s only something people do once every four years.
If I have the opportunity to represent District 6, I promise to find a better way to engage with people. I think that’s one of the biggest challenges ahead of us. Especially during a pandemic.
Q. How can people contact you?
Phone – 902-691-0337
Email: [email protected]
Website: Valleythings.ca/dougralph
