We get press releases:
Jennifer Watts announces candidacy for District 14 council seat “District 14 needs transportation policies that are environmentally sound and respect neighbourhood integrity,” said Jennifer Watts in announcing her candidacy for the Connaught-Quinpool seat on HRM council. “Concerns about traffic in and through District 14 consistently top the list of issues people mention to me,” she added. “Clearly, we need to balance the needs of commuters with the desires of residents for quiet, safe neighbourhoods. A commitment to high-quality public transit can help us achieve this balance.” Born and raised in Halifax, Ms. Watts has lived on Duncan Street in District 14 since 1992. A graduate of Queen Elizabeth High School and Mount Allison University, Ms. Watts also trained as an urban and rural planner at the Technical University of Nova Scotia, a skill set that will stand her in good stead while serving on Council. If elected, Ms. Watts will make District 14 her full-time job. Over the last ten years, Ms. Watts has worked for the United Church of Canada and the Tatamagouche Centre in resource development, leadership development and strategic planning, with a focus on social justice and peace issues. She has also worked as a planning consultant on municipal issues including the development of wind turbine bylaws. From the parent and tot group she helped organize at St. John’s United Church to serving as Co-President of the Beaufort Parent-Teacher Association, Ms. Watts has been active in the community. She currently volunteers weekly in a local school breakfast program and as an organizer in her daughter’s hockey league. Ms. Watts wants to ensure that HRM Council supports community based recreation facilities, sustainable economic development, a variety of housing options on the peninsula, and a fair tax system. “I would like to see neighbours working together on projects that encourage environmental awareness and build respectful communities. Building consensus on the issues facing the municipality as a whole will also be a priority of mine,” she stated. Ms. Watts is married to Richard Donald and they have two teenaged daughters, Ruth and Sophie.
