Green candidate enters Kings West contest

Madeline Taylor of Wolfville is running in the area as a member of the Green Party of Nova Scotia.

“I have a great concern for people that are struggling,” said Taylor, a clinical social worker and former nurse.

With a Green candidate already on the ballot in her home riding, Taylor opted to seek election in her hometown.

“I was the bank manager’s daughter in Aylesford, left there at 18 and, of course, I have family there,” she said.

Taylor cited poverty, public transit and health care among her chief concerns, adding that the Green party will be pushing for accessible education, a comprehensive health system, more investments in renewable energy, poverty reduction and a guaranteed annual income – to name a few things.

“We want a sustainable green economy to start with… and clean renewable energy… and an accountable government,” she said, noting that she’s also a supporter of buy local food movements.

Taylor added that she’s learned to work well under pressure as a nurse and social worker, and she’s believes her experience in stressful occupations would serve her well if she’s elected as the next MLA for Kings West.

“I can step up to the plate quite quickly,” she said.

Taylor will be challenged by NDP candidate Cheryl Burbidge, Liberal incumbent Leo Glavine and PC representative Chris Palmer. All of the candidates have been invited to participate in a forum that will be hosted at West Kings District High School May 17. Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the event getting underway at 6:30 p.m.

Five lesser-known facts about Madeline Taylor:

1. I live in a unique passive solar home built in 2007. People love the design.

2. As a young woman of 40, and president of the provincial "Concerned Parents Group" in New Brunswick, I made enough noise about chemical spraying to warrant a visit from James Irving, who arrived by helicopter to my home to discuss the herbicide 245T and its application on the head of the Millstream, where I lived. The Irvings stopped the spraying that year. Later this chemical was banned.

3. As a member of a group on "The Prevention of Family  Violence" I played a role in having large educational signs to prevent family violence erected in Hants West. They still stand.

4. I was a practicing Registered Nurse for 20 years.

5. I graduated at age 50 with a Master's Degree in Social Work and have been involved as a clinical social worker ( counselling ) providing Mental Health Services. I see clients in Wolfville as a private  practitioner, and previously spent 17 years in the Mental Health Clinic in Windsor.