PARRSBORO - Three years ago, Lisa Ward was the successful candidate among five running for one vacant seat on Parrsboro Town Council. She hopes to continue that winning record on Oct. 20.
Ward is one of eight candidates running for the town's four council seats in the upcoming election.
"I'm running because of my love for the town, and my passion," she said. "I've enjoyed the past three years, and I hope to get back in and continue to be the voice for the people."
While Ward admits the town does not offer as many jobs as she would like to see, she said all council can do is continue to investigate and try to attract new opportunities and people.
She said she sees plenty of potential for growth in the community, and that council has made progress during her time there.
"A few years ago, you could roll a tumbleweed down Main Street," said Ward. "It was really scary. A number of new businesses have opened. Unfortunately, some had to close."
Among those that have closed was her own business, Lisa's Emporium, but it has not seemed to affect her positive attitude about what lies ahead.
"All the years I've lived here, I haven't forgotten the things people used to complain about or talk about, so I've raised a number of things in council, and I think we're making progress," she said.
While not making any specific promises, Ward said she is committed to attracting new people to Parrsboro, and encouraging people to shop local. Pleased that the aboiteau bridge is scheduled to be repaired, she said would like to see the entire former Scott mill property developed to include a picnic area, playgrounds and docks for canoes and paddleboats.
She said she will also continue to place Glooscap Park and Campground as a high priority, along with the beautification of Main Street, and to build on the festivals the town already has.
You can't please everyone, according to Ward, but she said she tries to please as many as she can.
"I always try to pull a positive out of the negative," she said. "If you continue to go negative, you're spreading it through the whole community, and everyone is walking with their heads down. You can't move forward that way."
Joining Ward on the ballot on Oct. 20 will be Betty Atkinson, Robert Fancy, David Harrison, Dawn McCully, Ron Shaw, Lloyd Smith and Lyle Yorke.
