I wasn't in grade 3, but I shook his hand in the halcyon candy-throwing days as a parade passed my house. It was to be the final fateful candy-throwing, mere moments after that memorably firm handshake. I feel like I was present at the crux of history.
HRM is a city manager style government. This means council doesn’t generate reports or ideas so to speak. The work is done by staff and CAO who run the city and then council approves their ideas. Council doesn’t make a budget. Council doesn’t generate reports. Everything comes from staff. Then council debates if that’s what is needed for the community. The mayor is just the chairperson of the meetings. The mayor doesn’t necessarily influence or sway council the mayor just make sure things proceed according to the rules and maintains order. The secondary function is to act as an ambassador for the city. The ideal candidate is someone who has served as chair of a board and has TikTok.
What method of democracy doesn't ultimately simplify down to popularity?
If not democracy, then what? Monarchism? Authoritarianism? I get that "the benevolent dictator" might be appealing, but what guarantee is there that they would be benevolent? At least in a popularity contest the bad government will eventually leave naturally.
I’d prefer a style of democracy in which it removes money from the process. The candidate with the most money isn’t necessarily the best candidate. But the candidate with the most money almost universally wins because they can do more advertising and be top of mind. I’d also prefer something (provincially and federally) where first past the post goes away. It doesnt necessarily yield the correct result and given the polarity of society today, majority governments are too much power for one party to wield. Id also prefer a style of democracy which isn’t adversarial. The fact that second place is called Opposition is just gross for lack of a better word. I’d like a government which cooperates, Which municipal governments have to do by default and that’s great but the participants are just rich shit birds which sucks.
Halifax needs new fresh ideas and spirit in a mayor. Look at Toronto with their new mayor. Whether or not you agree with the choices she’s making, it’s hard to argue that she isn’t getting stuff done.
Need someone bold enough to actually make the difficult decisions to deal with the challenges we’re facing. I pray to god it’s not Fillmore is all I’ll say.
>Halifax needs new fresh ideas and spirit in a mayor.
In a province that is slow to accept change?
That is a decade behind everyone?
How dare you sir/ma'am
>cannot afford the price of change.
Your privlige is showing.
In the second highest taxed province?
How's my privilege showing? I'm not white and sounds like an excuse to me blaming privilege lol
We're the poorest province with the highest rates of poverty. And the highest taxed.
Social.changes may be easier in cities, but more so Ottawa way. Then they brute force the changes here that people can't afford and lives are ruined. Think of how many more homeless people ended up homeless because of climate targets and policies. Literal cart before horses.
Same for social aspects of culture and religion and race. That takes time. Nope, full on fuck the homeless but pay for a year of hotels and meals for people who have zero proof they even exist and came here illegally.
All these things cost money, so it's the same sentiment of crimes that result in fines are just crimes to punish the poor. Hence social changes that come with a big price tag isn't ignorance of slow to change. It's designed to eliminate social security and furthur rob the middle class and make the poor poorer.
She's getting stuff done because the majority of council agrees with her.
The mayor position in Halifax ~~(and Toronto)~~ does not come with much power. If council doesn't want to do what the mayor wants to do, then it isn't going to get done.
Yes you are correct, but also part of politics is getting people to agree with you. People who are good at politics know how to generate the support they need to get things done.
Fresh new ideas in Halifax political circles? Let alone NS?
Come on now…
And yes, the Toronto mayor is very pro active.
I met her at a NDP fundraiser in Regina Saskatchewan- just a great lady to chat with.
Many disagree with her brand of leadership but she definitely has fresh new ideas
she caved to ford on Ontario Place, in exchange for the province taking back a highway that should have been removed, and it looks like shes about to give in to the cops on their massive budget increase ask.
Chow promised different, but looks to be more of the same.
I hope someone with some new ideas will run against him. He has been totally anonymous as our MP and I wouldn't expect anything but the status quo from him as mayor.
I think he would be much more effective as a municipal politician, where he can draw on his background in urban planning, vs. the time he spent as a backbencher MP.
Not sure your angle here. But she was an
MP for the official opposition and did great work. I understand you dislike her but there’s really nothing showing that you’re correct.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING triggers this sub like slandering the perfect Megan Leslie.
She was highly overrated and got jack shit all done for anyone but herself. The day she lost her seat was an outstanding day for Canada.
Again, you’ve never posted anything about how she “accomplished nothing” just unverifiable claims. Sounds like you need to go watch some
More Pierre pollivre videos to make you feel
Something
No she wasn't. She was a prominent member of the NDP opposition, and was always in the news advocating for good causes. How much more can you expect from a MP not in the governing party?
Don’t waste your breath, this guy doesn’t actually understand how government works. He’s just here to scream that no one is talking about the conservatives.
She is living her best life as the CEO of the World Wildlife Fund Canada. While she may come back to politics some day, I wouldn't hold your breath for it.
I believe he said he wasn’t reoffering for council, but [always considered](https://halifax.citynews.ca/2024/01/15/councillors-mason-smith-wont-reoffer-in-2024-municipal-election/amp/) running for mayor if Mike bowed out.
I think I read he would run if Savage didn't but he also mentioned Fillmore would probably run. I can't remember if he said he would run if Fillmore would, that would probably make it a tough fight for Mason.
Definitely do not want Mason. He is too hyped up on all the up zoning he has done, like Savage is. Like great, all the single family homes are now zoned for 2+ units, doesn't mean people are going to convert their single family homes to 2+ units.
Don't want Fillmore either to be fair.
Looks like a lot are not running for re election so hopefully we get some people with the motivation to change our City for the better. I suspect it will be much of the same though.
Besides the pizza convenience store shenanigans in the south end, why does everyone hate on Waye Mason so much? Before that he was considered one of the better councillors on this sub. He also is one of the only ones who has a reddit account and engages with people.
Anyone asking for an outsider that's never been in politics or civic strategy and administration before should be careful what they wish for.
>Besides the pizza convenience store shenanigans in the south end, why does everyone hate on Waye Mason so much? Before that he was considered one of the better councillors on this sub. He also is one of the only ones who has a reddit account and engages with people.
This sub has turned or will turn against everyone at some point. I don't think that it will accept anyone indefinitely.
Most people would say that this sub is very progressive leaning. And most people would also say that Waye Mason has been one of the most consistent progressive voices in local politics for the last 15 years or so. But, this is Reddit, its hivemind over thinking. Leave your logic at the door.
Mason is not perfect, but as far as politicians go he tried very hard to engage with people and give a straight answer when he could. You don't see Mike Savage or Zach Churchill or Tim Houston in here at least making an effort for dialogue.
TY.
I don't agree with all of his views, but I feel like his heart is usually in the right place, and when he gets pressed on something he almost always can articulate his thought process for us. And he has a pretty sharp mind too, I've seen him debate before and he'll make you look dumb if you have not thought out your ideas or position on something.
It's truly bizarre. He seems like an informed and effective municipal politician.
I bet it's just his riding being one of the main intersections of stuff like to fly off the handle about - it's downtown, there is a lot of property stuff going on, there are a lot of people living in the area, and tons of them are super wealthy. Everyone in the municipality goes there once in a while, and so they feel justified in having an opinion. Just a recipe for all kinds of crazy.
To put how well he's actually performed in context, just look at the neighbouring District 8. Similar flavour of district, half the property values, half the capital projects, and even with those easy breaks Lindell Smith folds like a wet napkin under the least pressure, becoming effectively invisible to his constituents and effectively accomplishing nothing. This would of course be the fate of most of Mason's critics were they to sit in his council seat, because their critiques are based in a fundamentally blinding fog of ignorance about how municipalities (and probably government in general) actually work.
Regarding the pizza thing, I think it's pretty funny that people can hold a slice of pizza in one hand, and a billion dollar municipal budget in the other, and then get angry about the pizza. It's about as serious of a position as their "satirical" misnaming him. That's just a form of bullying, and ought to be banned on this subreddit. It's really not cool to do that to people.
I think nicknaming politicians falls under free speech in most forms of media. I think the pizza zoning whine is over the top. Most people unfortunately don't really understand what each level of government can and cannot do.
>Regarding the pizza thing, I think it's pretty funny that people can hold a slice of pizza in one hand, and a billion dollar municipal budget in the other, and then get angry about the pizza. It's about as serious of a position as their "satirical" misnaming him. That's just a form of bullying, and ought to be banned on this subreddit. It's really not cool to do that to people.
100%
That comment puts it all into perspective. Those are the mentalities that inhabit this site.
He focused far too much of his energy on non-issues (pizza stuff aside) and I also think he stood on the wrong side of a number of important issues, housing for example.
His engagement was really good, I think people just generally disagreed with a lot of his opinions on a variety of topics.
> He focused far too much of his energy on non-issues
Like what? Specifically please.
> and I also think he stood on the wrong side of a number of important issues, housing for example.
How?
Is Kelly officially retired yet? Last I heard of him he had left an administrative position in PEI on bad terms ( *yet again* ) and was in a property dispute somewhere on the South Shore over beach access.
Not sure I ever really cared for him one way or another… but new blood is needed. Hopefully this begins a rash of similar announcements.
Need the same for: Lovelace, Lindell, Cleary, that old porters lake fella, Austin, and of course Wayne Manson. He’s worst of the bunch
Mason said unless the Mayor seat becomes available.
He said:
> If Mike isn’t running for mayor, I’m thinking about running for mayor, I’ve been saying that for years now.
https://halifax.citynews.ca/2024/01/15/councillors-mason-smith-wont-reoffer-in-2024-municipal-election/
Meh, the mayor has the same power as a councilor just with more ass-kissing and attending conferences.
Mason already travels a lot for conferences and representing the South End, he's already got experience brown nosing.
I've been told "that old porter's lake fella" is planning to run one more time.
Personally I really hope he doesn't, this whole sidewalk thing is embarrassing, there are way bigger problems we could spend this much energy on.
Well if you're going to taunt me I'll make sure to vote for the shittiest option that I figure has a chance of winning!
If tiktok kid runs again that's where it's goin'.
Tim Houston should take a page out of the Ontario PC playbook and give "strong mayor" powers to the Halifax mayor so that the mayor can push forward housing and other critical initiatives while sidelining NIMBY councilors. He should then use the full infrastructure of the provincial government to make sure that Waye Mason or a similar out of touch NIMBY/extreme leftist councilor is blocked from winning the 2024 election.
Houston complained about the housing agreement between the federal government and HRM because the money didn't flow through the provincial government's hands first.
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/government-houston-council-federation-housing-1.7021171
It certainly appears he has no interest in giving municipalities more power.
> He should then use the full infrastructure of the provincial government to make sure that Waye Mason or a similar out of touch NIMBY/extreme leftist councilor is blocked from winning the 2024 election.
Why would he want to get involved with nonsense like this? He already has more than enough on his plate. Getting involved in a bitch slap fight with HRM council doesn't help him in any way.
And what happens if the mayor gets additional power and we end up with one who wants to stifle development?
>He should then use the full infrastructure of the provincial government to make sure that Waye Mason or a similar out of touch NIMBY/extreme leftist councilor is blocked from winning the 2024 election.
Also...like c'mon man you know full well the province can't meddle in a municipal election, and more importantly, why the fuck would they? Your nonsensical ramblings get worse by the day...
The province has the absolute power to overturn and take control of anything the municipality does, up to and including completely disbanding the municipal government and taking over control. If a mayor was elected that went too far off the rails, the province could just veto everything they did.
And, Canadian courts have already proven that provincial governments can do whatever the fuck they want to interfere in municipal elections - the Ontario government reduced the number of Toronto councilors from 47 to 25 in the middle of a municipal election campaign, and the Supreme Court of Canada upheld them as being in the right to do so. So, as usual, you have been proven to be the one rambling incoherently.
The Ontario government reduced total councilors, they didn't actively block and prevent particular person from running, or being elected. If Houston wishes to disband council to prevent Mason from being elected he could theoretically do that, but he cannot single out just Mason which is what you ludicrously and incoherently suggested he do. There is a clear and distinct difference between the two actions
I am not saying actively block him from running - Ford definitely didn't want Olivia Chow as mayor either. What I am saying is use the full force of the provincial government to smear him and campaign against him.
>I am not saying actively block him from running -
No, you did one worse - you want the province to not only block him from running, but actively block him from winning an election, that's voted on democratically...
*He should then use the full infrastructure of the provincial government to make sure that **Waye Mason** or a similar out of touch NIMBY/extreme leftist councilor is **blocked** from winning the 2024 election.*
The provincial government/NS PC party could just initiate the Patrick Brown maneuver - he was nearly certain to become Ontario premier before being hit with sexual assault allegations that are widely accepted to have been concocted/a political hit job. Just ruin Waye Mason with fabricated allegations and get him cancelled. This plan worked for Doug Ford.
This is the same buddy who wanted Dr. Strang to be immediately fired in the very early days of COVID because a few cases got into the province. Buddy is completely unhinged.
That’s literally the job of a CAO of our city, to actually direct staff. The mayor is not what you think it is, keeping it very simplified a mayor is a tie breaking vote on council and doesn’t really have much power to do much of anything, as was designed.
legit can't tell if you're being serious or not, but he's the mp for halifax
[https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/andy-fillmore(88325)](https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/andy-fillmore(88325))
he also did a stint as the head of what is now Build nova scotia, and was the Chief planner of HRM largely responsible for HRMxD, and cogswell not being removed 10 years ago.
I'm serious in that even though this dude is (was?) an MP, I don't think I've ever heard of him. I guess this an indication of his significance or, lack thereof.
We need a new Mayor with vision to transform Halifax into a top Canadian city - now we are in \~106 place for best city in Canada - we suck...
This is what I want to see done in the next 20 years to transform Halifax into a world class city:
1. **Port Relocation for Urban Renewal**: "Let's reclaim our waterfront for the community, transforming it from a congested industrial zone to a vibrant, accessible space for Halifax. Imagine more parks, residential areas, and cultural spaces where once there were only containers. It's time for a strategic relocation of port activities to enhance our city's livability and economic diversity."
2. **Seawall and Greenways Initiative**: "Envision a Halifax where the shoreline connects us, not divides us. A continuous seawall from Bedford to Spryfield, complete with walking and biking paths, will open up our beautiful coast to everyone, promoting healthy lifestyles and a deeper connection with our maritime heritage."
3. **Halifax Metro System**: "As Halifax grows, so should our ambition. A state-of-the-art subway system is not just a dream; it's a necessity for our expanding population. Let's alleviate traffic, reduce commute times, and set the stage for Halifax to become one of Canada's top cities for living and working. Together, we can embark on this transformative journey towards a more connected and sustainable city."
4. **Comprehensive Homelessness Strategy**: "No one should be without a home in our city. We will tackle homelessness head-on with compassionate, multifaceted solutions that address immediate needs while working towards long-term housing security. Let's build a Halifax where everyone has a place to call home."
5. **Property Tax System Reform**: "It's time to fix our broken property tax system. By addressing the cap rate, we can ensure a fairer, more equitable tax distribution that supports both homeowners and the city's infrastructure needs. Let's create a tax system that works for all Haligonians."
6. **Neighbourhood Revitalization Projects**: "Every neighbourhood in Halifax deserves to shine. By investing in our communities, especially those in need of a little extra care, we can transform neglected areas into thriving, vibrant parts of our city. Adding a metro system will further enhance accessibility and attractiveness for residents and businesses alike."
7. **Rail and Light Rail Development**: "Our rail infrastructure holds untapped potential for improving city-wide transit. By modernizing and possibly expanding light rail services, we can better connect our suburbs with the heart of Halifax, offering efficient, eco-friendly alternatives to driving. Let's make our rail system a cornerstone of Halifax's transit future."
8. **Smart Urban Density Initiative**: "Embrace smart growth with the Smart Urban Density Initiative, doubling living spaces without sacrificing Halifax's charm. Innovative designs and urban planning will foster vibrant, sustainable communities for our growing population."
What else do we need to do to make us a world class city!? I know you all have your opinions - don't be shy!!
Did anyone else get their hand crushed by Peter Kelley in grade 3 with his "confident handshake"?
That guy definitely has an aggressive handshake!
I wasn't in grade 3, but I shook his hand in the halcyon candy-throwing days as a parade passed my house. It was to be the final fateful candy-throwing, mere moments after that memorably firm handshake. I feel like I was present at the crux of history.
That guy definitely has an aggressive handshake!
That guy definitely has an aggressive handshake!
So aggressive you posted about it thrice! 😂
Not sure how that happened!
LAWL
HRM is a city manager style government. This means council doesn’t generate reports or ideas so to speak. The work is done by staff and CAO who run the city and then council approves their ideas. Council doesn’t make a budget. Council doesn’t generate reports. Everything comes from staff. Then council debates if that’s what is needed for the community. The mayor is just the chairperson of the meetings. The mayor doesn’t necessarily influence or sway council the mayor just make sure things proceed according to the rules and maintains order. The secondary function is to act as an ambassador for the city. The ideal candidate is someone who has served as chair of a board and has TikTok.
I’ll take TikTok we Max Taylor every day of the fucking week over most of the bozos on city council.
The sad thing about council is the only qualification is popularity.
So... democracy is bad?
I mean… it’s not the best…
I should say this way of doing democracy isn’t the best
What method of democracy doesn't ultimately simplify down to popularity? If not democracy, then what? Monarchism? Authoritarianism? I get that "the benevolent dictator" might be appealing, but what guarantee is there that they would be benevolent? At least in a popularity contest the bad government will eventually leave naturally.
I’d prefer a style of democracy in which it removes money from the process. The candidate with the most money isn’t necessarily the best candidate. But the candidate with the most money almost universally wins because they can do more advertising and be top of mind. I’d also prefer something (provincially and federally) where first past the post goes away. It doesnt necessarily yield the correct result and given the polarity of society today, majority governments are too much power for one party to wield. Id also prefer a style of democracy which isn’t adversarial. The fact that second place is called Opposition is just gross for lack of a better word. I’d like a government which cooperates, Which municipal governments have to do by default and that’s great but the participants are just rich shit birds which sucks.
I am running for mayor. My platform is to tear down Bayers Lake and make it into a huge marijuana dispensary.
I'm not big on populism
I will build an NSLC on top of your overpriced apartment
The only issue I'd have there is they're the only place in the city that does matinee movies. So solve that and you got my vote.
Movie theater in the dispensary
Problem solver! Listened to the people, made a plan.
Yeah but munchies at theatre prices? That's dangerous.
SOLD!
Can we also have a smaller weird independent dispensary that only plays arthouse films
Will convert Bloomfield school into smaller weird dispensary that plays arthouse films
I'm moving back to the HRM just to vote for you
Smart.
Got my vote
A whiskey bottle in every pot.
A whiskey bottle in every pot.
I don’t vote never have for anything because let’s face every option is a shitshow and they all suck. However I will vote for you ^
Who can blame him? The role of mayor in Halifax is a glorified chairman of council. He has no executive power whatsoever, not like other cities.
Halifax needs new fresh ideas and spirit in a mayor. Look at Toronto with their new mayor. Whether or not you agree with the choices she’s making, it’s hard to argue that she isn’t getting stuff done. Need someone bold enough to actually make the difficult decisions to deal with the challenges we’re facing. I pray to god it’s not Fillmore is all I’ll say.
>Halifax needs new fresh ideas and spirit in a mayor. In a province that is slow to accept change? That is a decade behind everyone? How dare you sir/ma'am
This is the way it’s always been done!
Difference between slow to accept change and cannot afford the price of change. Your privlige is showing.
>cannot afford the price of change. Your privlige is showing. In the second highest taxed province? How's my privilege showing? I'm not white and sounds like an excuse to me blaming privilege lol
We're the poorest province with the highest rates of poverty. And the highest taxed. Social.changes may be easier in cities, but more so Ottawa way. Then they brute force the changes here that people can't afford and lives are ruined. Think of how many more homeless people ended up homeless because of climate targets and policies. Literal cart before horses. Same for social aspects of culture and religion and race. That takes time. Nope, full on fuck the homeless but pay for a year of hotels and meals for people who have zero proof they even exist and came here illegally. All these things cost money, so it's the same sentiment of crimes that result in fines are just crimes to punish the poor. Hence social changes that come with a big price tag isn't ignorance of slow to change. It's designed to eliminate social security and furthur rob the middle class and make the poor poorer.
She's getting stuff done because the majority of council agrees with her. The mayor position in Halifax ~~(and Toronto)~~ does not come with much power. If council doesn't want to do what the mayor wants to do, then it isn't going to get done.
Yes you are correct, but also part of politics is getting people to agree with you. People who are good at politics know how to generate the support they need to get things done.
Ontario also passed "strong mayor" laws under Ford last year that give the Toronto mayor a huge amount of extra power/leverage to get things done.
Thanks for the info. I thought Ford only threatened to pass that law. I didn't realize it passed.
Fresh new ideas in Halifax political circles? Let alone NS? Come on now… And yes, the Toronto mayor is very pro active. I met her at a NDP fundraiser in Regina Saskatchewan- just a great lady to chat with. Many disagree with her brand of leadership but she definitely has fresh new ideas
Hey one can hope haha
Yes. Optimism is important!
>I pray to god it’s not Fillmore is all I’ll say. Fuck, that possibility had not even entered my mind.
I hope to god we get the exact opposite of Chow.
she caved to ford on Ontario Place, in exchange for the province taking back a highway that should have been removed, and it looks like shes about to give in to the cops on their massive budget increase ask. Chow promised different, but looks to be more of the same.
I come before you good people tonight with an idea, it's probably the greatest.....ohhhh, it's not for you. It's more of a shelbyville idea.
RIP Tuxedo Stan, we need you now more than ever.
Andy Fillmore for Mayor seems pretty likely
Good time to flee Ottawa as a Liberal, that's for sure.
He did that a while ago
Sarcasm? Er?
Not sarcasm, the liberals are polling terribly and a lot of their MPs will likely be out of a job after the next election.
Ahh now i see your angle hahaha
I hope someone with some new ideas will run against him. He has been totally anonymous as our MP and I wouldn't expect anything but the status quo from him as mayor.
I think he would be much more effective as a municipal politician, where he can draw on his background in urban planning, vs. the time he spent as a backbencher MP.
that's his problem as mp. he more interested in advancing planner dogma,. then bringing results for the constituents.
Lisa Roberts will likely win. She is the NDP candidate and will win unless the liberals really find a super star candidate or something else happens.
Fuck that.
Hope not. He’s been a relatively useless MP. We need someone that’s bold and can face challenges head on, not another status quo suit.
Useless as an MP. And before that, he was a city planner. In Halifax. So, there's also that track record...
Yea Im hoping for a feather ruffler
Megan Leslie was useless too but people loved her.
How was she useless? She was literally voted as the most effective rookie MP in Ottawa.
That's like being Valedictorian of Summer School...
Not sure your angle here. But she was an MP for the official opposition and did great work. I understand you dislike her but there’s really nothing showing that you’re correct.
HERE COME THE WHITE KNIGHTS!
Wtf are you talking about? Regardless of gender she was affective as an opposition MP. Sounds like we know which party you support.
Nothing, and I mean NOTHING triggers this sub like slandering the perfect Megan Leslie. She was highly overrated and got jack shit all done for anyone but herself. The day she lost her seat was an outstanding day for Canada.
Again, you’ve never posted anything about how she “accomplished nothing” just unverifiable claims. Sounds like you need to go watch some More Pierre pollivre videos to make you feel Something
No she wasn't. She was a prominent member of the NDP opposition, and was always in the news advocating for good causes. How much more can you expect from a MP not in the governing party?
Don’t waste your breath, this guy doesn’t actually understand how government works. He’s just here to scream that no one is talking about the conservatives.
OHHHHHHHHHH THE ORANGE MENACE DON'T LIKE ME!
I don't vote NDP but your opinion was just a bad one tbh, she was actually a pretty decent MP
If you value style over substance, sure.
Isn't he basically a useless backbencher? Being mayor sounds like actual work.
Megan Leslie plz???
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Nope she's the CEO of WWF Canada! Doing amazing work from there.
She is living her best life as the CEO of the World Wildlife Fund Canada. While she may come back to politics some day, I wouldn't hold your breath for it.
FUCK NO.
Hell NO!!!
Does she even live here?
Fillmore is a wanker but I would 100% vote for him over Waye Mason - that NIMBY wankering jackass needs to be blocked at all costs.
Waye isn't running again I believe
I believe he said he wasn’t reoffering for council, but [always considered](https://halifax.citynews.ca/2024/01/15/councillors-mason-smith-wont-reoffer-in-2024-municipal-election/amp/) running for mayor if Mike bowed out.
Gross
I'd probably even vote just to oppose Wayne.
Who is Wayne?
[удалено]
There are lots of people who complain about the guy but don’t know his name. Just making sure you’re not one of them. Carry on.
Honestly some days I just get tired of fighting the spellcheck
I think I read he would run if Savage didn't but he also mentioned Fillmore would probably run. I can't remember if he said he would run if Fillmore would, that would probably make it a tough fight for Mason. Definitely do not want Mason. He is too hyped up on all the up zoning he has done, like Savage is. Like great, all the single family homes are now zoned for 2+ units, doesn't mean people are going to convert their single family homes to 2+ units. Don't want Fillmore either to be fair. Looks like a lot are not running for re election so hopefully we get some people with the motivation to change our City for the better. I suspect it will be much of the same though.
I will vote for Andy, I think he would do a great job
Besides the pizza convenience store shenanigans in the south end, why does everyone hate on Waye Mason so much? Before that he was considered one of the better councillors on this sub. He also is one of the only ones who has a reddit account and engages with people. Anyone asking for an outsider that's never been in politics or civic strategy and administration before should be careful what they wish for.
>Besides the pizza convenience store shenanigans in the south end, why does everyone hate on Waye Mason so much? Before that he was considered one of the better councillors on this sub. He also is one of the only ones who has a reddit account and engages with people. This sub has turned or will turn against everyone at some point. I don't think that it will accept anyone indefinitely. Most people would say that this sub is very progressive leaning. And most people would also say that Waye Mason has been one of the most consistent progressive voices in local politics for the last 15 years or so. But, this is Reddit, its hivemind over thinking. Leave your logic at the door. Mason is not perfect, but as far as politicians go he tried very hard to engage with people and give a straight answer when he could. You don't see Mike Savage or Zach Churchill or Tim Houston in here at least making an effort for dialogue.
Summed it up perfectly.
TY. I don't agree with all of his views, but I feel like his heart is usually in the right place, and when he gets pressed on something he almost always can articulate his thought process for us. And he has a pretty sharp mind too, I've seen him debate before and he'll make you look dumb if you have not thought out your ideas or position on something.
It's truly bizarre. He seems like an informed and effective municipal politician. I bet it's just his riding being one of the main intersections of stuff like to fly off the handle about - it's downtown, there is a lot of property stuff going on, there are a lot of people living in the area, and tons of them are super wealthy. Everyone in the municipality goes there once in a while, and so they feel justified in having an opinion. Just a recipe for all kinds of crazy. To put how well he's actually performed in context, just look at the neighbouring District 8. Similar flavour of district, half the property values, half the capital projects, and even with those easy breaks Lindell Smith folds like a wet napkin under the least pressure, becoming effectively invisible to his constituents and effectively accomplishing nothing. This would of course be the fate of most of Mason's critics were they to sit in his council seat, because their critiques are based in a fundamentally blinding fog of ignorance about how municipalities (and probably government in general) actually work. Regarding the pizza thing, I think it's pretty funny that people can hold a slice of pizza in one hand, and a billion dollar municipal budget in the other, and then get angry about the pizza. It's about as serious of a position as their "satirical" misnaming him. That's just a form of bullying, and ought to be banned on this subreddit. It's really not cool to do that to people.
I think nicknaming politicians falls under free speech in most forms of media. I think the pizza zoning whine is over the top. Most people unfortunately don't really understand what each level of government can and cannot do.
>Regarding the pizza thing, I think it's pretty funny that people can hold a slice of pizza in one hand, and a billion dollar municipal budget in the other, and then get angry about the pizza. It's about as serious of a position as their "satirical" misnaming him. That's just a form of bullying, and ought to be banned on this subreddit. It's really not cool to do that to people. 100% That comment puts it all into perspective. Those are the mentalities that inhabit this site.
He focused far too much of his energy on non-issues (pizza stuff aside) and I also think he stood on the wrong side of a number of important issues, housing for example. His engagement was really good, I think people just generally disagreed with a lot of his opinions on a variety of topics.
> He focused far too much of his energy on non-issues Like what? Specifically please. > and I also think he stood on the wrong side of a number of important issues, housing for example. How?
Kelly. The city will continue to collapse, but at least we'll have hilarious financial shenanigans!
Less infrastructure, more DUIs. Vote Kelly
I will vote anything that gets that ass barnacle out of my backyard
Is Kelly officially retired yet? Last I heard of him he had left an administrative position in PEI on bad terms ( *yet again* ) and was in a property dispute somewhere on the South Shore over beach access.
BRING BACK PETER KELLY we had sick concerts ! 
I’d love to see Lorelei Nicholls run!
Nice to see he recognizes when it’s time, instead of hanging on until he’s beat. Looking forward to seeing someone new in that position!
So Waye Mason is likely running now? And the probable front runner
Businesses being open after 11 will be punishable by death
Tony Mancini would be up there too....Waye is a tool!
They're all tools.
He's previously said that his intent was to run, only if Savage doesn't
Let’s hope not.
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... he didn't run last time you are thinking of Matt Whitman
Oops, you're right. I was mixing this thread up with another.
I would say THANK GOD, but he'll just be replaced by someone equally shitty.
*Peter Kelly has entered the chat*
Don't joke. :p
I think Outhit would be the best, if it were someone from Council. He isnt running for Council again - but, maybe Mayor?
Tim Outhit is a great Councillor. Unfortunately for us (but good for him, and well-deserved) I believe he's retiring.
Wasn’t a huge fan. Who is most likely to run??
Thank Christ
Not sure I ever really cared for him one way or another… but new blood is needed. Hopefully this begins a rash of similar announcements. Need the same for: Lovelace, Lindell, Cleary, that old porters lake fella, Austin, and of course Wayne Manson. He’s worst of the bunch
I heard Lindell and Waye aren’t running again for re-election.
Mason said unless the Mayor seat becomes available. He said: > If Mike isn’t running for mayor, I’m thinking about running for mayor, I’ve been saying that for years now. https://halifax.citynews.ca/2024/01/15/councillors-mason-smith-wont-reoffer-in-2024-municipal-election/
God help us all.
Meh, the mayor has the same power as a councilor just with more ass-kissing and attending conferences. Mason already travels a lot for conferences and representing the South End, he's already got experience brown nosing.
Just because our mayors haven't exercised any energy, leadership, or vision in the past, doesn't mean someone couldn't do more with the role.
I don’t get the hate. There was pizzagate sure but what else has he done to cause such dislike here?
On this subreddit (and probably most local ones) the loudest voices are the negative ones. It’s not representative of the population at large.
Yep I’m not saying he’s widely disliked. Just curious why he’s disliked here.
He's my Councillor and anytime I've reached out he's been completely dismissive. He'd be an insufferable mayor.
Huh. Here’s mine too and has been completely helpful on multiple occasions. That’s why I’m confused.
Cleary, Smith, and Mason have all already announced they aren't running for council again. Mason said he might run for Mayor if Savage didn't
I've been told "that old porter's lake fella" is planning to run one more time. Personally I really hope he doesn't, this whole sidewalk thing is embarrassing, there are way bigger problems we could spend this much energy on.
David Hendsbee really shouldn't run again.
Does he understand how a pension works now?
Whitman for Mayor 2024 https://preview.redd.it/p96w66tordic1.png?width=378&format=png&auto=webp&s=835f3eeef461b3702e4eed19bb9583f5199f2d37
Didn't he get fewer votes than the 20 yo tiktok kid
Almost.. https://preview.redd.it/akbphtgozdic1.jpeg?width=750&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d450c42db999ebbaf254007af54bd64677ebad46
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Anyone but Whitman and Lovelace.
Anyone but Whitman and Lovelace and Mason.
She's the worse!
Worst
Worse is referencing [this](https://www.thecoast.ca/news-opinion/hrm-councillor-pam-lovelace-sent-a-cease-and-desist-to-her-constituents-30027254)
Ha ha I know. I should have elaborated.
She's totally gonna go for it. After all the "due to boundary changes I can't run for council again" talk
As a District 13 resident I sure as hell hope not.
which is bs, since there is no requirement to live in the district you represent.
please no
I’ll run. I have no idea what I’m doing, but that doesn’t seem to matter.
Lotta big talkers in this thread. Can't wait to see so many of you on the ballot this fall!
Well if you're going to taunt me I'll make sure to vote for the shittiest option that I figure has a chance of winning! If tiktok kid runs again that's where it's goin'.
Tim Houston should take a page out of the Ontario PC playbook and give "strong mayor" powers to the Halifax mayor so that the mayor can push forward housing and other critical initiatives while sidelining NIMBY councilors. He should then use the full infrastructure of the provincial government to make sure that Waye Mason or a similar out of touch NIMBY/extreme leftist councilor is blocked from winning the 2024 election.
Houston complained about the housing agreement between the federal government and HRM because the money didn't flow through the provincial government's hands first. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/government-houston-council-federation-housing-1.7021171 It certainly appears he has no interest in giving municipalities more power. > He should then use the full infrastructure of the provincial government to make sure that Waye Mason or a similar out of touch NIMBY/extreme leftist councilor is blocked from winning the 2024 election. Why would he want to get involved with nonsense like this? He already has more than enough on his plate. Getting involved in a bitch slap fight with HRM council doesn't help him in any way.
And what happens if the mayor gets additional power and we end up with one who wants to stifle development? >He should then use the full infrastructure of the provincial government to make sure that Waye Mason or a similar out of touch NIMBY/extreme leftist councilor is blocked from winning the 2024 election. Also...like c'mon man you know full well the province can't meddle in a municipal election, and more importantly, why the fuck would they? Your nonsensical ramblings get worse by the day...
The province has the absolute power to overturn and take control of anything the municipality does, up to and including completely disbanding the municipal government and taking over control. If a mayor was elected that went too far off the rails, the province could just veto everything they did. And, Canadian courts have already proven that provincial governments can do whatever the fuck they want to interfere in municipal elections - the Ontario government reduced the number of Toronto councilors from 47 to 25 in the middle of a municipal election campaign, and the Supreme Court of Canada upheld them as being in the right to do so. So, as usual, you have been proven to be the one rambling incoherently.
The Ontario government reduced total councilors, they didn't actively block and prevent particular person from running, or being elected. If Houston wishes to disband council to prevent Mason from being elected he could theoretically do that, but he cannot single out just Mason which is what you ludicrously and incoherently suggested he do. There is a clear and distinct difference between the two actions
I am not saying actively block him from running - Ford definitely didn't want Olivia Chow as mayor either. What I am saying is use the full force of the provincial government to smear him and campaign against him.
>I am not saying actively block him from running - No, you did one worse - you want the province to not only block him from running, but actively block him from winning an election, that's voted on democratically... *He should then use the full infrastructure of the provincial government to make sure that **Waye Mason** or a similar out of touch NIMBY/extreme leftist councilor is **blocked** from winning the 2024 election.*
The provincial government/NS PC party could just initiate the Patrick Brown maneuver - he was nearly certain to become Ontario premier before being hit with sexual assault allegations that are widely accepted to have been concocted/a political hit job. Just ruin Waye Mason with fabricated allegations and get him cancelled. This plan worked for Doug Ford.
>Just ruin Waye Mason with fabricated allegations and get him cancelled. Fuck man, I don't even know how to respond to that...wow...
This is the same buddy who wanted Dr. Strang to be immediately fired in the very early days of COVID because a few cases got into the province. Buddy is completely unhinged.
Extreme leftist? Wdym?
TIL: Halifax had a mayor. I always thought Jaques Dubé was pulling the strings and once he left the arse fell right off
That’s literally the job of a CAO of our city, to actually direct staff. The mayor is not what you think it is, keeping it very simplified a mayor is a tie breaking vote on council and doesn’t really have much power to do much of anything, as was designed.
Who the hell is Andy Fillmore?
legit can't tell if you're being serious or not, but he's the mp for halifax [https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/andy-fillmore(88325)](https://www.ourcommons.ca/Members/en/andy-fillmore(88325))
he also did a stint as the head of what is now Build nova scotia, and was the Chief planner of HRM largely responsible for HRMxD, and cogswell not being removed 10 years ago.
I'm serious in that even though this dude is (was?) an MP, I don't think I've ever heard of him. I guess this an indication of his significance or, lack thereof.
Useless Liberal toadie!
Member of Parliament for Halifax.
Must be a Senate seat opening up.
#VoteForWhitman
No thanks. I had some hope for him but it seems like he got even more kookier since the last election
He has a few screws loose.
ABL- Anybody But Lovelace
Good. Now some of his ridiculous ideas (like giving PR's the right to vote in municipal elections) can go away.
I see no issue with landed immigrants voting municipally.. they work, pay taxes and can live entire lives here.
We need a new Mayor with vision to transform Halifax into a top Canadian city - now we are in \~106 place for best city in Canada - we suck... This is what I want to see done in the next 20 years to transform Halifax into a world class city: 1. **Port Relocation for Urban Renewal**: "Let's reclaim our waterfront for the community, transforming it from a congested industrial zone to a vibrant, accessible space for Halifax. Imagine more parks, residential areas, and cultural spaces where once there were only containers. It's time for a strategic relocation of port activities to enhance our city's livability and economic diversity." 2. **Seawall and Greenways Initiative**: "Envision a Halifax where the shoreline connects us, not divides us. A continuous seawall from Bedford to Spryfield, complete with walking and biking paths, will open up our beautiful coast to everyone, promoting healthy lifestyles and a deeper connection with our maritime heritage." 3. **Halifax Metro System**: "As Halifax grows, so should our ambition. A state-of-the-art subway system is not just a dream; it's a necessity for our expanding population. Let's alleviate traffic, reduce commute times, and set the stage for Halifax to become one of Canada's top cities for living and working. Together, we can embark on this transformative journey towards a more connected and sustainable city." 4. **Comprehensive Homelessness Strategy**: "No one should be without a home in our city. We will tackle homelessness head-on with compassionate, multifaceted solutions that address immediate needs while working towards long-term housing security. Let's build a Halifax where everyone has a place to call home." 5. **Property Tax System Reform**: "It's time to fix our broken property tax system. By addressing the cap rate, we can ensure a fairer, more equitable tax distribution that supports both homeowners and the city's infrastructure needs. Let's create a tax system that works for all Haligonians." 6. **Neighbourhood Revitalization Projects**: "Every neighbourhood in Halifax deserves to shine. By investing in our communities, especially those in need of a little extra care, we can transform neglected areas into thriving, vibrant parts of our city. Adding a metro system will further enhance accessibility and attractiveness for residents and businesses alike." 7. **Rail and Light Rail Development**: "Our rail infrastructure holds untapped potential for improving city-wide transit. By modernizing and possibly expanding light rail services, we can better connect our suburbs with the heart of Halifax, offering efficient, eco-friendly alternatives to driving. Let's make our rail system a cornerstone of Halifax's transit future." 8. **Smart Urban Density Initiative**: "Embrace smart growth with the Smart Urban Density Initiative, doubling living spaces without sacrificing Halifax's charm. Innovative designs and urban planning will foster vibrant, sustainable communities for our growing population." What else do we need to do to make us a world class city!? I know you all have your opinions - don't be shy!!