Smith vying for return to council table

PARRSBORO - For 11 years Lloyd Smith served on Parrsboro Town Council, and the candidate in the Oct. 20 municipal election is hoping to pick up where he left off. Smith, a long-time employee at the local Granby furnace plant, will be one of eight candidates on the ballot for the four available seats. "I'm a hard worker, an honest person, and willing to help whoever needs help," said Smith. "I have a common sense approach to doing all of the above." That common sense approach may have helped Smith when he was first elected to council in 1997, and re-elected in 2000 and 2004. He came up short in his bid for re-election in 2008, however, and again in a 2009 byelection. The defeats do not seem to be affecting his positive attitude for this year's campaign. "I've always had the will to do it," he said. "The circumstances of the last election and the byelection didn't work out in my favour, so I'll take another shot and see what the people have to say." During the past four years away from council, Smith said he missed having an input in what's happening with the town's tax dollars. "That's the big thing," he said. "We have a very small tax base, and I want to make sure people are getting the best representation for their tax dollar." For example, he said he questions the need for a new town hall building at this time, saying he is not sure if it would be in the best interest of all taxpayers. Mayor Lois Smith has identified a new town hall as a priority in the past. While he has not been on council since 2008, Smith said he has paid close attention to the town's operation, and knows municipalities like Parrsboro still face the challenge of downloading from the provincial government. However, he said there is still plenty the town can do for itself. He identified recreation as a high priority for him, as it was during his previous time on council, and takes pride in the fact that the recreation co-ordinator's position was brought back during his last term. Continued support for that position and recreation programs remain high on his list. "I've lived in Parrsboro all my life, and I've heard so many times that there's nothing to do in Parrsboro," said Smith. "I disagree with that. I believe, if you're in a small community, you do personally what you can do to create activities and things for the community." Joining Smith on the ballot on Oct. 20 will be Betty Atkinson, Robert Fancy, David Harrison, Dawn McCully, Ron Shaw, Lisa Ward and Lyle Yorke.