Streatch makes it official; believes ‘stability, continuity’ needed for COVID19 recovery in HRM, District 1

FALL RIVER:  What may have been the worst kept secret was made official on Aug 4.

Steve Streatch officially announced he would be re-offering to be the representative for District 1 Waverley-Fall River-Musquodoboit Valley. That makes four who have stepped up to run for the position in HRM’s municipal election, set for October 17. The other three are: Cathy Deagle-Gammon, runner-up four years ago; businessman Steve Kamperman; and veteran Art Wamback.

Streatch said he is seeking a second term so he can continue the good work he has started in conjunction with the communities he represents.

“Quite frankly, I think this is a time for stability, it’s a time for continuity, and I want to build on the relationships and progress we’ve made,” he said. “I want to continue to offer leadership to the area I represent.”

He spoke briefly about the delay in making it official that he was re-offering, denying there was anything outside of being councillor that he was considering. He welcomes the three who have put their name forward.

“I welcome competitors to the race,” he said. “Different views and opinions are healthy in a democratic process. But at the same time, I am the councillor and I am doing my job and will continue to do that.”

Streatch spoke about continuing the water project expansion to other areas that need it, such as St. Andrews Village, Schwarzwald, and Fall River Village in future phases. It’s one of his items he will work on to make a reality should he get voted in.

“We’re now into discussion for phase three of the project, which will take us into three areas that have indicated clearly they are in need of central water services,” said Streatch. “Those discussions are starting now and over the next few months we will lead into the process of how we start to develop those plans and bring them forward.”

Transit is also an issue that he has heard and hopes to work on with the community if given a second term.

“In order to have transit in a community that community has to be within the HRM Transit boundary. Fall River is not within the transit boundary. That option only comes every five years,” he said. “Right now, we are heading into our five year review of the HRM Regional Plan. People are encouraged to make their views known that if we want transit into Fall River, one that comes from the Aerotech Connector down Hwy 2.”

He said there are many other initiatives like the new recreation facility in the Musquodoboit Valley and development that he wants to continue to work on with residents. He has asked HRM staff that any public hearings on developments in District 1 be delayed until those can once again be held in person.

“People are concerned and engaged, so we can’t expect them to express their views online in a virtual hearing and have any democracy,” he said.

Streatch said everyone’s issues matter to him.

“Everyone’s opinions are important. All issues are important. I give equal weight to all residents regardless of where they live,” he said.

He made mention of the recent protests by Black Lives Matter and the calls to defund the police.

“We have seen over the last number of months significant issues arise and regional council that ahs made decisions that are in support of equality regardless of race, colour, creed, and background,” said Streatch. “I think racism needs to be eliminated in our communities locally and indeed worldwide.”

Streatch pointed to HRM’s recent decision to cancel the purchase of an armoured vehicle for HRP as one example.

“There was a clear outreach by the community that they needed council to send a message that we were listening, and we are listening,” he said.

He believes the time has come for police to wear body cameras, an initiative that many in the community have begun to push for.

“I think if it would help, by all means we should be prepared to move in that direction,” he said.

Streatch said many residents continue to be frustrated at speeding in the area.

“There have been some discussions on the level of policing in the area, some talk about changing that model,” he said. ‘That debate is pending at regional council.

“Is it time for Fall River maybe move towards a more suburban model like Bedford where Halifax Regional Police patrols it? I’m not sure.

“Is it time that the traffic division that used to be is re-implemented? There is none right now. I think now we’re seeing some of the pitfalls of the decision to stop the funding of the traffic division.”

He said he will work with organizations like the Fall River and Area Business Association to help small businesses.

“A lot of our local businesses are hurting from COVID19 and people are concerned about that,” he said

Streatch said his campaign will be based on continuing to do his job. His message to residents on why they should cast their ballot for him was simple.

“This is a time for stability. This is a time for continuity. This is a time for leadership,” said Streatch. “I have exhibited that leadership over the last 20 years and am asking the people to give me a second term so we can continue the work we have started.

“I believe this is a great area of HRM, and that we find strength in our diversity of our communities. I am prepared to continue to work hard on our resident’s behalf and will treat all residents and all issues with equality.”

For more information on Streatch, you can check out his website (to be updated): www.stevestreatch.com; his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ElectSteveStreatch/; Twitter: @SteveStreatch; and Instagram: @stevestreatch.