The following is submitted by Lisa Blackburn, looking to be re-elected in District 14 Upper/Middle Sackville-Lucasville-Beaver Bank.
BEAVER BANK: It’s hard to believe four years have passed since you gave me the incredible privilege of representing you at City Hall. We’ve accomplished a lot during that time and I’d like the honour of returning to City Hall to finish some of the things we started.
In the past four years I’ve had a chance to meet many members of this community learning about your priorities and concerns. With every vote in City Council, it’s always been my desire to represent your values.
I’ve been voted to the position of Deputy Mayor and have proudly served on behalf of District 14.
Here are some of the other things we have accomplished together:
-Voted for a broad review of policing in Halifax in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
– I’ve supported women in vulnerable positions by voting in favour of free menstrual products in all HRM facilities and libraries.
-Voted to support the findings of our Cornwallis committee to help shape future relationships with our Indigenous residents.
-Fought for fairness in land lease communities and took the issue of water meters to the Utility and Review Board for a decision.
-Ushered in a new era of transit with expanded express service on several routes in the district, at the same time working to make the legislative changes necessary to re-establish service for North Beaver Bank and bring it to Lucasville.
-To protect residents from the predatory practice of vehicle booting, started the process of getting a new bylaw to regulate vehicle immobilization.
-Proposed a bylaw to regulates flyer deliver across HRM helping cut down on waste and preventing property damage.
-Fought and won to keep the Patton Road Fire Station open.
-Served as Commissioner of Halifax Water and voted in favour of opening their board meetings to the public.
-Brought a voice of reason to the Appeals Committee when dealing with taxi driver license appeals.
-Secured the historic boundaries of Lucasville to reflect the community as intended by the original Black settlers.
-Worked to have new playgrounds built in several areas including Middle Sackville and Lucasville.
-Took your concerns about speeding to Council leading to speed humps being installed on several streets in the district.
-Developing a new planning district that will lead to the construction of a world class arts centre in Middle Sackville.
-Help secure funding for the Lucasville Greenway Society to build a multi-use pathway along Lucasville Road.
-Worked with the community on a plan to transform the ballfields in Beaver Bank.
No one knows what the next four years looks like. Covid-19 has disrupted life as we know it and shifted our priorities. Our fiscal picture will soon come into focus and it will require an appropriate response. I vow to continue speaking for the residents of District 14 in a responsible and respectful manner.
There are several projects we have started together that I want to finish:
-Halifact2050 will require strong will on Council to make sure it is properly funded for its ambitious targets.
-Working with community groups, staff and putting pressure on the Province to make sure our roads are as safe as they can be.
-Fighting for much needed changes to our Regional Plan so that the planning documents used in District 14 accurately reflect the community as it is today. This can pave the way for expanded water and transit service.
-Through my role as Police Commissioner ensuring our Police better serve this diverse community.
-Exploring available options for affordable housing and working with community groups to make it happen.
Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 9)I look forward to the conversations we will have in the coming weeks to learn your goals for the next four years. If it’s important to you, it’s important to me.
I ask you register to vote and support me on October 17th as we continue what we started together.
If you want to help support our campaign, your donations are welcome! Please e-transfer to newsbag@eastlink.ca.
