By Jennifer Vardy Little
The Kings County Register
Continuing to follow the path the NDP have been on over the last few years will be Kings North MLA Jim Morton’s focus over the next 12 months.
That plan has focused on fiscal restraint in an attempt to lower the province’s deficit.
“I plan to do everything I can to help implement our plan,” he said. “We’re not going to stop, we can’t stop, it’s too big. There are still ships to build and young, innovative businesses to support.”
But closer to home in Kings County, he’s looking forward to seeing an improved parking area at Cape Split, continued success at the opiate treatment program to respond to concerns about inappropriate drug use and getting all residents of the county access to rural broadband.
Further promoting Grand Pré and its recent designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site is also high on his list.
“We have the opportunity to maximize development that’s already occurred,” he said. “Grand Pré is something we need to promote, to make the area as attractive as we can. If we can bring them here to see it, perhaps we can convince them to stay a little longer, go hike at Cape Split or stay a night or two in a bed and breakfast. Even gas and restaurants benefit.”
He’ll also be watching closely as Kings County’s anti-discrimination committee progresses and doing whatever he can to support agriculture, particularly local wineries and vineyards.
Morton added that he’s also hopeful 2013 will see a new partnership between the province and municipalities in the area as they work towards a new economic development driver. The Regional Enterprise Network would cover the entire Valley area and be cost-shared between the municipalities and the province, replacing the Regional Development Association.
Asked about the potential for a spring 2013 election, Morton said he isn’t in the know about that.
“When it happens is the call of the premier. We’re three and a half years into our mandate,” he said. “I think it’s always important to be ready for an election, and it’s possible we’ll have a spring election, but whenever the call comes, I’m going to be ready.”
