MOUNT PLEASANT – There will be at least one vacancy on Cumberland municipal council when voters go to the polls in October.
Phillip Donkin confirmed Monday he will not be reoffering in District 7.
“When I ran in 2008 I made a four-year commitment to the people of District 7. I have enjoyed my time on council and would like to thank the people of the district for giving me the opportunity to represent them on municipal council,” Donkin said.
Donkin said that with his wife’s recent retirement they want to do some things they had to put off because of their careers.
“I feel it’s time to move to do other things,” he said.
Donkin, who ran municipally on several occasions and as an independent in the 1993 provincial election, was elected by a narrow margin in the 2008 county election. The retired health-care worker picked up 163 votes compared to 126 for Donald Read, 117 for Judy Schultz and 61 for Ronald Thompson.
His election was confirmed by a judicial recount.
Donkin said he believes the county has accomplished much in the last four years and feels the municipality has a bright future, adding the energy strategy should make the county a focus of greener energy production.
He said he’s also pleased the county was able to pass a new noise bylaw and suggested the new solid waste bylaw is a solid step forward in that everyone is treated equally and fairly.
“Before, we had two different systems and I don’t think everyone was treated equally,” said Donkin, who used to work at the Highland View Regional Hospital. “I find the new system treats everyone fairly, everyone’s on a level playing field.”
dcole@amherstdaily.com
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If only the young people would learn to spell properly.It's hard to take people seriously, and put them in jobs that are of great importance, such as helping to govern us when they spell fare for fair. It's not about age, it's about ability. Quit sounding like you're texting your best friend when you speak, young people!