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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 John Bignell from Timberlea—Beechville—Clayton Park—Wedgewood sent back.
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Why should residents of your district vote for you?
I hope to represent District 12 at Regional Council by bringing my skills as an advanced care paramedic to city politics: specifically, critical thinking, working in team environments under stressful circumstances, and being held accountable to the people that I serve by the decisions that I make.
What’s something you wish people were talking about more this election?
The reintroduction of national organized crime in our city and the negative effects it is having on our community’s health and wellness.
What’s the last thing you Googled?
The HRSB candidates. They play such a critical role in the future of our youth and don’t get the visibility they deserve.
What’s the most accurate criticism someone’s made about you?
I need to maintain a healthy home & work life balance.
What was the first concert you ever went to?
Milli Vanilli opened by Young MC in 1990.
What was the last movie you didn’t finish?
Snowpiercer
What pisses you off?
People who tell me they don’t care about elections and don’t vote.
What’s changed the most in your district since 2012?
The community has really come together and accomplished a lot since 2012. We have stood up and stopped the proposed changes to Otter Lake. We have filled a room full of engaged citizens to speak up for Blue Mountain-Birch Cove. We have successfully rekindled a Canada Day Celebration in BLT for the first time in decades. In the last four years, District 12 has come alive, and I can’t wait to see what the next four years have in store.
What’s a specific moment in politics or your professional life that you really regret?
If I have a gut feeling, don’t automatically defer to the person in charge, push harder.
What’s the last thing that made you really laugh?
Car karaoke with the family.
What’s your go-to meal when cooking?
Toad in the hole.
What worries you the most about the Halifax Regional Municipality and the issues it’s facing?
I spent the first part of my paramedic career dealing with medical emergencies related to organized crime in our city. The reintroduction of this group back into our city, and the lack of discussion around them, has me concerned.
How would you describe your opponents in this race?
I am proud to share the company of this group of dedicated people who are so passionate about our district.
What’s something you don’t know, but want to learn?
Another language.
What do you promise NOT to do if elected?
I promise not to get too comfortable.
Related Stories
15 questions with District 12 candidate Scott Guthrie
15 questions with District 12 candidate Bruce E. Smith
15 questions with District 12 candidate Richard Zurawski
The free-for-all in Timberlea—Beechville—Clayton Park—Wedgewood
This article appears in Sep 29 – Oct 5, 2016.
I have known John for close to 15 years. I have worked with him as a Paramedic for two of those years. John is a very dedicated person. He does not do anything in half measures. I was not surprised when he ventured into politics. Although I no longer live in NS, I have to say I whole heartedly support his candidacy as councilor for District 12. I wish I was there to help him in this election. I encourage everyone to vote for him, you will not regret it. Carry on John, good luck.
Ian Winter
I am proud to call John my friend as we have developed a friendship in recent years while volunteering together to bring Canada Day celebrations to the BLT area. I can say without a doubt that he would make a fantastic city councillor as he remains calm cool and collected in any situation. He listens attentively and is considerate of all sides to a discussion and strives for what is best for the greater population. He has been involved in the community well before thoughts of being part of city council because he cares about the community and the people within! Choose John Bignell to be your representative- he’s ready to be our voice!
John is progressing very well in his learning of the American English dialect of Brooklynese. Paramedics are trained to observe, evaluate the signs and symptoms of a problem then make a qualified clinical decision on how best to treat a patient. Paramedic to Paramedic John has demonstrated critical thinking skills over and over…. bringing those skills to the HRM City Council John will be asset to your city.
Phil Weiss
FDNY EMS Paramedic (retired)
Having known John for years I have come to expect a number of things from him.
Primarily, John is very well studied. If there is a topic that interests him or one he feels passionate about, he immerses himself in the literature surrounding said topic. He is a repository of information.
Secondly, John is a wonderful communicator. The knowledge he gains through his reading and research is seamlessly shared by his firm grip of the Englisha language. I was surprised to read that he has yet to learn a second language, I’m certain that he’ll be multilingual soon!
Thirdly, and in my opinion, most importantly, I have known John to be a wonderful father and husband. He genuinely loves his family. He has been a good role model for me, as a father of a young family with a busy career. Work may come and go, careers shift and evolve, but you only get one chance at being a great dad. John has shared that with me by be of an example of just that.
I know John Bignell to be honest, compassionate, diligent and aware. If those are the qualities you are looking for to represent you in your district, then you needn’t look any further.
Incidentally, I do not live in this district, nor am I being compensated to provide this testimony. I just thought it important to point out that you have an amazing candidate here who will serve with devotion like none other.
Happy Voting!
Eric Poll
Wolfville NS
All the best to John who takes genuine interest in his community!!!
I’ve been following John Bignell for some time now and am continually impressed by his community involvement and thoughts. I’m glad to see his comments acknowledging the return of national organized crime into the district, while others might choose to side step it.
Question: If elected I’d like to know in say a 3 month time frame your first kick at what you’d do for District 12.
Glad to see that Bignell is concerned and talking about organized crime. These organizations have an impact not just localy, but right across the country. What Halifax does to have a positive impact locally, will have a ripple effect.
I am glad to call John a co-worker and friend for close to five years, and the passion and dedication he puts fourth to his community is second to none.
That being said, I am not a resident of district 12, but happy voting to those who are. And don’t just think about voting, get out and do it.
hey folks is john a councilor for the province or a municipality in it, and does he have say with the community services community please he sounds like a very important man he should call me , or at least contact me on face book..wilf
john ia an mla right
how old is he