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The Coast sent all 53 candidates running in HRM’s municipal election the same 15-question survey in order to help their residents and our readers know a little more about who’s running for council. Here’s what mayoral candidate Lil MacPherson sent back.
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Why should residents of HRM vote for you?
I have the energy to take effective action for a just and sustainable HRM. If elected, I will be a mayor that listens to the entire region.
What’s something you wish people were talking about more this election?
Climate change: Our biggest challenge, and our biggest opportunity.
What’s the last thing you Googled?
Fatback Band—(Are You Ready Do The Bus Stop). I dare you not to dance to the next bus.
What’s the most accurate criticism someone’s made about you?
I speak way too quickly.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
April Wine
What was the last movie you didn’t finish?
A doc on industrial agriculture, and the mistreatment of farm animals.
What pisses you off?
People disrespecting Mother Earth—so, smarten up.
What’s changed the most in the municipality since 2012?
The face of HRM.
What’s a specific moment in politics or your professional life that you really regret?
I don’t live a life of regrets, but I know in my heart that if I did not run, this would be the biggest regret of my entire life.
What’s the last thing that made you really laugh?
Axe-throwing at Oktoberfest.
What’s your go-to meal when cooking?
Organic rice and vegetables.
What worries you the most about the Halifax Regional Municipality and the issues it’s facing?
We do not have mitigation and adaptation plans for serious climate change.
How would you describe your opponents in this race?
Tall. Long arms. Two legs. Nice hair. All jokes aside, Mike is a very nice man with a sense of humour, and a good heart.
What’s something you don’t know, but want to learn?
I would like to learn how to scuba dive. I just taught myself how to swim last year.
What do you promise NOT to do if elected?
I promise not to be socially or environmentally irresponsible.
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This article appears in Sep 29 – Oct 5, 2016.
The first person to respond to the criticism question with an actual criticisim! I like Mike Savage though but kudos to Lil for admitting she’s a human being with a fault or two.
Here’s a question: Where you are suing the city for which you are running for mayor, do you not feel this is a conflict of interest?
Go Lil! Your focus on new ideas, integrity, and climate have my vote. This city needs to broaden its lens.
I guess all the other pressing issues like poverty, high taxes, rising cost of living to name of few, aren’t as pressing or important as climate change, even though HRM has a low carbon footprint compared to similar municipalities.
I understand they’re all “difficult” issues to tackle. What about our transit system? We hear enough complains about it. No? Also I believe cyclists aren’t too happy with the current availability of dedicated cycling lanes.
I question impartiality (in decision making) when candidates accept campaign money from developers, at the end of the day, they are gonna expect something in return. I like that Lil is not accepting any campaign funds from developers. I think Savage is too ‘pro-development’ and although we need development in Halifax, we need to be careful about how much and really need to look at our long term vision/plan (I don’t think current council does this) Sustainability is also very important; I see many of the new glass highrises (already bored of them) sitting empty. So we go from crumbling empty brick buildings to empty shiny glass highrises. If people are going to live downtown what services will be offered? Where will they get their food, as many small retailers cannot afford the DT rent? What about parking, as transit is great but people still drive in for games/dinners/shows. Will transit be improved? How about a light at Scotia Square, the 1970’s crosswalk just doesn’t cut it anymore. I fear current politicians are just accepting money (development) without thinking about how the city is going to both look and function down the road. I just wish we could have this discussion without the pro-development folks coming back with insults and thinking if you question the current development climate you are anti-jobs and only want 2 storey buildings.
Candidates in this MUNICIPAL election need to understand that issues like climate change, poverty, and world peace have very little to do with our municipal government. Fix the roads, plow the snow, pick up the litter, make our city attractive to the eye. That’s what we want from you.
No kidding, someone should tell her that the NDP leadership convention is over there <===
What a pompous jitbag.
Is she high or is there a lot of light?
I think Lil brings fresh ideas. She will listen to all the people, not just the old boys club. People cannot complain if they are going to continue to support the status quo. You do not exercise your democracy unless you have competitive ideologies cycling through government. Voting for the same thing re-packaged is why government is primarily serving the 1% that own most of the country. We need changes at all levels.