Shiretown's new deputy mayor honoured by appointment

By Kirk Starratt

THE ADVERTISER

NovaNewsNow.com

The Town of Kentville’s new deputy mayor says it’s special to be elected by the citizens first and foremost, but it was also a pleasant surprise to get the endorsement of his council colleagues.

Shiretown council member Mark Pearl was elected by his peers to serve as the town’s deputy mayor for the coming year at the November council session. He was first elected to town council in a by-election for two vacant council seats and the vacant mayor’s chair in the summer of 2005.

“When you’re nominated and elected by your peers, it’s a pleasant surprise,” Deputy Mayor Pearl said, pointing out that it’s a form of recognition of the hours and dedication a councillor has to provide.

He said it’s special to be elected by the citizens first and foremost because it’s an indication that they trust you to use your best judgment. However, on a secondary level, being elected by his peers to serve as deputy mayor is an endorsement of the decisions he has had to make in the past two years.

“When I first let my name stand for council, being deputy mayor was not on the horizon,” he said. However, once he was fortunate enough to be elected to council and saw the commitment it demands and what is involved, he felt he was capable of doing more to serve the town.

He said he is looking forward to serving as deputy mayor, but it’s hard for any councillor not to be thinking about the upcoming province-wide municipal elections in 2008.

In Kentville, there are many positive projects in the works, including a new school to replace KCA, the ongoing development of the former CP Rail land and a new library.

“There are so many good things happening,” Pearl said. “I would like to be around to help things proceed after the election in 2008.”