Maritime Morning – Andrew Krystal

A new poll by our friends at Corporate Research Associates shows NDP MP Peter Stoffer would be a serious contender if he threw his hat into the Mayoral ring.

Would he make a good mayor? What are the qualities that you are looking for?

Frequently, Stoffer is voted as “most congenial” by his peers in Ottawa. But is getting along with people a positive value with this city council? Can anyone get along with this group?

More importantly, what does the city need? Is the HRM even a city? Can you even run a place with the shot gun marriage known as amalgamation? Does Halifax need to have a more of a focus and identity?

What are the economic challenges? What are the solutions?

The future of the Province will see Canadian trends of aging and a declining population and a shrinking tax base accentuated here due to Nova Scotia’s modest population and lack of immigration.

So, what is a mayor’s role in fighting those trends — higher property taxes? For many, the fact that there’s not been a new office tower in 20 years in Halifax is greeted with either a shrug or a smile if you’re a “save the view type”. People should be alarmed that their paid representatives have not pulled a five alarm fire to make sure not only that new buildings are built, but that new businesses open up to occupy them; that new businesses open up in the downtown core to create jobs and keep the place growing.

They say you get the government you deserve. The question is do we deserve better?

That’s your Morning Memo