Nackawic-Millville voters go to the polls on May 11
The following are responses to questions sent to each candidate from the River Valley Sun. Their answers are unedited. Thanks to reporter Karen Howell for gathering the responses.
MAYOR
Tim Fox – Incumbent/Acclaimed
Why did you reoffer?
The first term flew by, and our Council accomplished a lot during that period. We had a very cohesive and like-minded group of councillors – many of whom have re-offered and will be acclaimed. We also have some things that we want to accomplish over the next term.
What are your priorities over the next four years?
My priorities are to continue our housing growth in the community and to create opportunities for business growth and attraction. While we work on those things, we need to continue to modernize operations. We also need to continue to take advantage of our assets and resources to maximize tourism and recreational opportunities. All of these things will help us meet the economic growth targets that we set for ourselves in our strategic plan.
I’m proud of the accomplishments that our Council have had in the first term following municipal reform. I think we are well-positioned to carry that momentum into the upcoming term. I’m optimistic about our community’s future.
WARD 1
Anthony Moorcroft
Why are you running?
I’m running to ensure younger generations have a real voice in shaping our community’s future—creating a place that is welcoming, vibrant, and ready for families to grow and thrive.
What do you bring to the council table?
As the youngest candidate in this race, I bring a fresh perspective that reflects the needs and aspirations of the next generation—those who will soon be stepping into the roles that keep our community strong and thriving.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
One of the biggest challenges we face is the lack of job opportunities for younger generations. Without those opportunities, we risk losing the very people who will shape and sustain our community’s future.
Stephen Ouellet
Why are you running/reoffering?
I made the decision to run in the upcoming municipal election after being encouraged by some in the community to consider it. They expressed confidence in my abilities and what I could bring to the table as a longtime community member and volunteer. I have always believed in and placed high value on giving back to my community and doing what I can within my abilities and skill set. I love my community and aim to continue to help make our community a place where families want to raise their children, where seniors feel supported and safe and where businesses want to be located.
We live in a truly beautiful part of the province, and I would love to do my part to help make it an even better place to live and work. The community of Nackawic-Millville needs to be a destination as well as a proud place to live. I would love to be able to represent the interests of the residents of Ward 1 and to contribute to the continued growth and strength of Nackawic-Millville.
What do you bring to the council table?
As a longtime community member, volunteer in both school sports and summer sports, and a career that allows me to deal with residents in the area regarding tree related issues affecting their property and powerlines, I have a wide network of people I know. I am well connected to my community. I am one of them, and I care about them. I am an extremely hard worker with a strong work ethic, so hard work is just a part of my everyday life. By working with youth, I have gained valuable experience in seeing what our future generations can bring to our community if we invest in them with our time and our support. I have gained great experience during my career with NBPower. As part of my work, I have a keen interest in being efficient. I have developed numerous cost-saving measures within our corporate procedures, which demonstrates my strong focus on efficiency, accountability and smart use of resources. I am Lean Six Sigma Greenbelt certified, which underscores my commitment to continuous improvement, finding efficiencies wherever I can and effective problem-solving.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Like all communities across the country, we face some of the same challenges where our population is being hit hard by the rising cost of living, an unstable economy and aging population where perhaps there are not adequate supports in place. I am ready to contribute, collaborate and work hard to ensure a strong and financially responsible future for Nackawic-Millville due to the limited budget the community has to work with.
WARD 2
Jeff Clark – Incumbent/Acclaimed
Why did you reoffer?
I decided to run again in this election as I really enjoyed learning what makes our municipality run. So many working parts behind the scenes were very interesting to me, and I’ve learned a lot. I also wanted to make sure my community had a voice from someone who has lived in the area their entire life and understands the true beauty and peacefulness of this area.
What are your priorities over the next four years?
My main goal is to keep equality among the different wards in our municipality. My other focus is growth, with the new subdivision in the works, that brings other new growth opportunities along with it. New business’s, new facilities.
I also want to thank councillor Simpson with his many years of experience on guiding me and always answering my many questions. He is a very valuable piece of our municipality. Also to councillor Nozzolillo on her hard work and common sense approach. They will most definitely be missed at council.
Ward 3
Floyd D’entremont – Incumbent/Acclaimed
Why did you reoffer?
I have recently moved back to Nackawic after a 38 year absence. My wife and I chose Nackawic as it puts us closer to our elderly parents and offers all the things we were looking for in our retirement (an excellent 4 season community near a ski hill, golf course, excellent boating, fishing and hunting with a slower pace). I was asked to consider running as a councillor by a friend and agreed, as I felt it would be a good way to re-introduce myself to the area and give back to the community that I call home.
What do you bring to the council table?
I have 21 years of experience in the pulp and paper industry with 16 years of it in management. I also have 17 years experience in the aviation industry (as a flight instructor for 4 years then the remaining 13 years as a medivac and Offshore surveillance pilot for PalAerospace Ltd.) which was my second career after the closure of UPM Miramichi Inc in 2007. I believe my broad range of experiences in two volatile industries can provide unique insight to council especially after going through the closure of the anchor industry in the community of Miramichi.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
I believe the biggest challenges to our community are:
1. Expanding business and employment opportunities to reduce the reliance of having the workforce concentrated with one employer.
2. Providing housing opportunities for seniors with apartments and/or assisted -living /long-term care facilities so that Nackawic’s aging population doesn’t have to leave the area when living at home alone becomes too burdensome, and to attract new residents to the area to aid in growth and new developments.
Greg MacFarlane – Incumbent/Acclaimed
Why did you reoffer?
It has been an honour to serve the Nackawic-Millville Rural Community as Deputy Mayor and Councillor for the past two terms. I am seeking a third term to build on our progress and keep our community moving forward. From completing the Big Axe Marina and supporting the work of the Destination Nackawic Economic Development Corporation, to our new subdivision and the Collaborative Healthcare Center expansion, we are growing responsibly.
What are your priorities over the next four years?
Expanding housing and supporting seniors’ housing will be priorities in the coming four years. The growth strengthens our tax base, allowing us to invest in our streets and community infrastructure. I am proud to continue working to build a strong future for our community.
Ward 4
Beverly Forbes
Why are you running?
My focus with council improve communication with residents and make sure projects are planned costed and delivered with accountability.
What do you bring to the council table?
With years of municipal experience, approached problem solving and advocating for the unique needs of ward 4. I understand the importance of strong rural representatives that enhance services, support local initiatives, and promote vibrant sustainable communities throughout ward 4 – Millville, Howland Ridge Road, Maple Ridge, Maple Wood, Hawkins Corner.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Fix high-impact issues – sidewalks, drainage snow removal, lighting. Plan updates with lifecycle costing to reduce long term costs.
Colin Trail – Incumbent
Why are you running/reoffering?
The reason I am reoffering for Ward 4 is there are some projects that I want to continue to work on for our area and also help finish some of the other projects that we have started.
What do you believe makes you stand out as a candidate?
I bring to the council table my honesty. Loyalty to the council plus the community. Hard worker. Not afraid to give my opinion on how I think I see things work. Willing to try new things.
What do I see as the biggest challenges facing our community?
There are a couple of challenges that I see.
1. Do not have enough tax base to be able to grow our community not just in Nackawic but all the other areas. Need to have more larger businesses to bring in folks who will live in our area but to help grow our tax base.
2 being able to get property as to be able to build more housing and also property for businesses.
Ward 5
Steven Meldrum – Incumbent/Acclaimed
Why did you reoffer?
The simple answer is, nobody was interested in the opportunity to serve. I stepped up after Michael Arbuckle passed away, 2 years into his mandate, when a number of people approached me to offer. I enjoyed learning how Council works but hadn’t plan to commit to 4 more years.
What are your priorities over the next four years?
That’s a serious question for a guy that likes to laugh and not take things too seriously. I do have the same commitment, as always, to help people when I can.
I’ve learned that this Council works well together and supports the needs of all wards equally, and, Tim Foxs’ vision for growing the community is one I agree with.
It’s a beautiful community and there’s no reason not to encourage others to enjoy what we are fortunate to have.
I’m pleased to have had some input in our new firehall. It’s much needed and I hope the community hall attracts more use to keep our Dumfries spirit alive.
Ward 6
Errol Graham – Incumbent/Acclaimed
Why did you reoffer?
I decided to run again because nobody else offered.
What are your priorities over the next four years?
My objectives on council are to keep taxes as low as possible. Grow the municipality have a dry hydrant in Queensbury.
