My name is Joe Ward, and I'm running for CBRM mayor. As a strong supporter of Rankin MacSween in 2016 and Amanda McDougall in 2020, it took a lot of introspection to enter the mayoral race myself. I knew once I made the leap, I was fully committed.

For the last decade, I've looked at the CBRM's challenges from a solution mindset—and that's my key strength. I do not have, nor do I want any political party affiliations. I will work with and negotiate with any representative, towards the goal of a better deal for the CBRM.

I can assure you that there is a practical solution to getting the CBRM back on the path to healing and prosperity. The biggest mistake we repeatedly make... is loudly declaring our problems, without asking for a specific solution. And when we ask for a specific solution, the biggest mistake we make is not doing the work to detail and justify that solution ourselves. Nobody is going to do the work for us.

Our high property taxes and housing crisis can be fixed. The idea of neighbours paying hundreds or thousands in the difference for the same homes can be fixed—without creating financial hardship for anyone. Nova Scotia declares a surplus. With that surplus, we can directly apply it to the CBRM's residential tax base to lower tax rates. But, the province has never really been invested in doing so. So, why now?

The "why now" answer is because the housing crisis became more damaging to the sitting government of this province than the CBRM struggling to get by—even before the new crisis emerged. Just as the Bank of Canada lowers and raises interest rates to directly impact the economy (slowing it, or speeding it up), our property tax rates work against what we need right now: housing development. When we need it the most, our tax rates work directly against us. And, we can fix it. But, as Councillor Amanda McDougall once said boldly to Cecil Clarke and the council of the day: "Get your calendars out. Let's do the work people."

I'm the guy to do the work. I don't need anyone to come up with the solution for me, or to write the plan. That's in my wheelhouse. When Houston was running for leadership of the NSPCs, he requested a meeting with me. I asked him why he was changing his mind on increasing our equalization grant. And, for as much as we can believe smart politicians, he told me that my message to his team arguing how to see the need based on economic metrics was what swayed him. I don't need to argue with Tim Houston or any other future government to get things done. It's my sincere belief that if we do the work, and prove our case, we'll secure what we need. That's the premise of my leadership if you cast your vote for me.

—Joe

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Authorized by Joe Ward, candidate for CBRM Mayor.