David March
For Cumberland County
Council in District 1
Engaged ● Experienced ● Trusted
I’m a candidate for Cumberland County Council in District 1. The decisions I will make will directly affect your family and mine. Before I moved to the County, I made those decisions for almost 16 years on Amherst Town Council. As President of the United Way of Cumberland County and Chair of Relay For Life we engaged you to help those in need. Covid-19 has challenged us to think about the future we want.
What kind of future do you want?
Engaged
I believe that a crucial part of being able to improve a community is by living and breathing it. Which is why I’ve been involved in countless organizations in Cumberland County since the early 80’s.
My invitation to community service was in the early 80’s. The Blueberry Harvest Festival in Amherst was without a board. I called a meeting at the High School, scratched down every idea we could find, including a rodeo, and the Festival was a success. I remained as chair for two years.
I joined the United Way of Cumberland County initially in 1992 as a board member, and Chair of the Committee that built the Dream Home in one day. I joined again 5 years ago and retired after 3 years as President, this year.
I Joined Relay for Life during the second year in Amherst and retired 2 years ago after being Chairman for 2 years.
I was also on the board of Cumberland County Transportation Services and the Seniors Safety Program.
I have also helped the Amherst Rotary Club, The Cumberland County Exhibition, the YMCA of Cumberland, Teaser’s Boxing Day Jam, the Amherst and Area Chamber of Commerce, the Amherst Fire Department, the Cross Border Challenge, the Amherst Ramblers, the Remembrance Day Committee, the Amherst Food Bank and more.
Experienced
Having served on the Amherst Town Council for more than 15 years, I understand the governmental process for moving ideas to reality.
In 2000, I thought I could change the world, at least our part of it, and ran for Amherst Town Council. We did change a lot of things … Downtown Redevelopment, the Skate Park and the renovation of the Amherst Stadium, the Splash Pad in a redeveloped Dickey Park, the Amherst Police Station, Amherst Town Hall’s move to the Dominion Public Building, the Community Credit Union Business Innovation Centre, and the new Sewer Treatment Plant. We accepted citizen input, made decisions based on facts, and watched the spending. I still say to myself, I had a part in that.
I ran for Council, because I wanted to make the town I lived in, better.
That’s why I’m running for County Council. I love where I live and want to make it better. With my 16 years experience in municipal politics and the connections I’ve made, I will be an asset to County Council. I will work hard for you, do my research, respect your opinion and make decisions that will benefit us all.
Background
While I’ve accomplished a lot since my first gigs at CKDH and CBC St. John over 40 years ago, I still make time for gardening, making jam and jellies, and relaxing by the lake.
42 years ago on one of my daily visits to Canada Manpower (now Service Canada) I discovered there was a broadcasting course being offered, that they would pay for. I thought, I’ll try that. My first job was at CKDH in September 1979. Ian Hanomansing was leaving for university, and they had an opening. After other stops in Saint John with CBC, and several years in Moncton, I returned home to Amherst. I got to meet a lot of interesting people over those years.. singers, scientists, ministers, politicians.
Radio personalities are asked to lots of public appearances. That’s where I learned about getting involved in the community. Whether it was a fundraising dance, the L.A. Animal Shelter Telethons or the 48 Hour Radiothon For Haiti. I knew I could help.
No surprise, I like music. Played in a band for a while. Even wrote a bunch of songs, and recorded them.
I like making jams and jellies, and in the spring to fall I’m in the garden(s).
My partner Marg Potter and I live at Blair Lake. Summers we are either in Northport or on Gilberts Lake near Parrsboro. You might remember my daughter Miranda March. She graduates from StFX as a nurse next year. All the other kids have began their adult lives. Thanks to Matt for all the work on my web site.
Trusted
I believe being trustworthy is as much about being honest, as it is about being reliable.
When I say I am going to do something I do.
I said that I would stay awake and broadcast for 48 hours straight to help the Hurricane victims in Haiti, and I did. With the Federal government matching funds, Cumberland County sent $40,000 to the relief effort.
I have walked the Christmas parade route for close to 20 years collecting donations for the Food Bank. It’s my personal kick-off to the Christmas season, because of the outpouring of kindness. The Food Bank trusts us to engage you to bring your non-perishable donation. Over the years, we have added a second truck because of your generosity.
I believe the voters trusted me. They returned for a 4th time, with the most votes in 2012.
My radio listeners trust me to give them the information they need to get the day started. After the basics, they want to know what’s going on in the area. I find the events. Often, it’s to raise money for someone or something. My hope is, that it will be more successful for the organizers because my listeners have been engaged. CKDH has been consistently been voted, Amherst’s Favorite Radio Station (by readers of Cumberland News Now, now Saltwire)
Elections
I think change is good. But sometimes it’s also needed. And at the moment, it’s needed for our Government. Which is why I am going to plant seeds, and grow change from the ground up.
This is the best level of government to be part of. People with concerns, can have immediate contact with the people who can make change. It is also the best place to start change.
Covid-19 has changed everything, and everyone.
I think change is good.
Families come first again. We are respectful to others, and helpful to those who are in need. We have masked, and distanced ourselves. It’s a reminder that we are a caring community that is protecting itself. What’s the new reality? We will see. But we don’t have to wait to find out. We can make our own future. I think we should be more proactive. Some of us have, or there wouldn’t be the Joggins Fossil Center or the Cliffs of Fundy UNESCO Global Geopark. If you have a project or concern, I would like to know about. Get your neighbours involved. Organize. Make County Council work for you.
I am going to suggest, that each year the Municipality give $2000 to a cause or project request received by Council. From all the submissions, all residents decide by vote who wins. Now you are involved. So were other people or organizations who didn’t win. Your voice was heard.
I would be honored to be your representative from District 1.
Of course I will work hard, I always have.
CONTACT
I have heard this many times … councilors look for your support, get elected, and are never heard from again, until the next election.
My contact information is below. Contact me anytime (within reason)
Here’s what else I am going to do.
I will set up a Citizen Circle. I will meet with members of the group, every 3 months. Just to talk, to find out about issues, and new opportunities in District 1. I will tell you what Council is doing, and you can tell me how well we are doing.
If you would like to join the Citizen Circle, just contact me. First meeting in January.
PHONE: 902-694-2411
EMAIL: hello@davidmarch.ca
FACEBOOK: Elect Dave March in District 1