Davison wins by election for Kings County, NS, District 8 councilman

NEW MINAS, NS — Residents of New Minas and Greenwich have a newly elected representative on Kings County Council.

Kevin Davison won a by-election in County of Kings District 8. The unofficial results show that Davison received 301 votes. Shawn Maxwell received 142 votes and Trina Keddy 99.

Voters had the option to vote electronically, via the Internet, or by telephone, 24 hours a day, beginning at noon on June 17 and ending at the close of polling stations on June 24 at 7 p.m.

Davison said he has been a paramedic and firefighter for more than 30 years and has lived in New Minas almost all of his life. He said he has been serving his community for a long time and wants to focus on making District 8 “a much better place to live for everyone.”

He said he would be a strong voice for voters and committed to “listening and learning for the good of them and this part of the Valley.”

“I want to be a voice for the people,” Davison said. “I want to tackle the homeless crisis and affordable housing head on. I would love to see infrastructure all over New Minas to combat the ongoing housing crisis.

He said he also looks forward to “a new and improved sewage system that is much needed in New Minas” and would like to see more emphasis on renewable energy development.

“The biggest challenge we now face is getting the sewage system in order. We have a major problem with our system and I know that New Minas is determined to solve the problem,” said Davison.

He served on the boards of three fire departments and said he is well versed in operational and capital budgeting processes. He wants to work closely with the New Minas and Greenwich chapters, where he held the positions of captain, board chairman and secretary.

The by-election followed former District 8 Councilman Jim Winsor’s resignation on April 18. Winsor cited “systemic” concerns as the reason for his resignation, including concerns about the management of municipal finances and what he described as an “omnibus” approach to approving annual budgets.

Other candidates

Before the polls close, candidate Trina Keddy said she thinks the biggest problem facing the district is the problematic New Minas regional sewage treatment plant.

“The biggest problem facing the district right now is New Minas’ sewage system,” Keddy said. “Also developing the area south of the Granite Drive interchange.”

Keddy said her desire to serve District 8 voters stemmed from “a deep love for humanity”. She said she has great respect for the people of the Annapolis Valley and would be honored to represent their voice in government.

Keddy said she has been involved in human services all her life and has had a rewarding career working with people with disabilities and the elderly. She volunteered as a Big Sister at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Annapolis Valley and currently serves on the Board of Directors of Fundy Food Bank.

In an online profile posted as part of his campaign, candidate Shawn Maxwell said he is committed to positive change in the area.

“I am deeply interested in your thoughts and concerns as I work with you to create a better community,” Maxwell said in the profile.

He said New Minas has been his home for 32 years and he and his wife raised two children there. Maxwell said Kings County has been very good to his family, and he “wants to give back with my involvement as your voice on the council.”