My name is Larry Haiven. I am a professor emeritus of management at Saint Mary’s University and during my quarter-century in Halifax I have been involved in municipal politics as an observer, commentator and activist. My partner Judy and I work with the human rights organization, Equity Watch, and Development Options Halifax, which presents analysis and alternatives for civic well-being.
Eight people are running for Councillor in District 7. It’s great to see the interest, and some have much to offer.
But here’s why I believe William Breckenridge is clearly the best candidate.
William is the one candidate with a deep body of experience in municipal matters. You could say that for the past decade, drawing on his work in finance, as an entrepreneur, historian, researcher and presenter, he has been the unofficial Councillor for District 7. When people want action and results, and can’t get them from politicians and city staff, they go to William. And he does this all in his own time, for free, in his off-work hours.
Here are a few of William’s efforts and achievements:
- William often speaks at HRM Council and committee meetings, to present new ideas, evidence and solutions.
- Served as a citizen volunteer on HRM’s Heritage Advisory Committee for two terms.
- Used expertise in history and research to help achieve the Schmidtville Heritage Conservation District.
- Advises citizens and neighbourhoods on preservation, densification and climate mitigation.
- Successfully pushed for changes to blasting and construction mitigation regulations.
- For pedestrian safety, he successfully had the crosswalk light near the Central Library installed (Queen St. and Clyde Streets)
- Tirelessly campaigns for preserving our urban forest; and has argued that bike lanes need not result in street trees being cut.
- Successfully pressed for the repaving of Birmingham St after damage from large developments.
- Created a tracking map of Halifax demolition permits to advocate for improvement to demolition regulation and to raise concerns about the loss of affordable housing.
- As a Board member of the Friends of the Halifax Common, worked to preserve our greenspaces.
- Led “Jane’s Walks” of Halifax neighbourhoods
I have seen lots of new Councillors elected with goodwill but without prior experience, only to be swamped by the workload and the mass of new challenges. Their inexperience keeps them highly vulnerable to influence by developers, staff, and seasoned colleagues with some not-so-great ideas. William has experience and he has ideas. Please help elect William. He will hit the ground running.