At the outset of the current elections, we asked various candidates where they stood on the issue of our grass-roots campaign to build a new library in Kentville. Here is the text of the letter we sent to each candidate:
Dear Candidate:
There is an effort underway currently to site, fund and build a beautiful new public library in the town of Kentville, for all Kings County residents to enjoy. The Friends of the Kentville Library Society is the driving force behind this initiative, marshaling volunteers, funds and public interest to see this worthwhile project to completion.
With federal and municipal elections pending, our hundreds of supporters are interested in your thoughts on the project. We would like you to respond to three questions:
1. What do you see as the best value for the new library project in Kentville?
2. If elected, how vigourously will you pursue funding opportunities?
3. What would you personally like to see in the new library?
Here are some of the responses we’ve received so far:
From Mayor Corkum (Mayoral Candidate):
“I have gone on record to support the new library. It is long over due. And yes I will vigorously pursue funding. Lastly I believe it is your experts and group to advise me what you want to see in a new library. You will have my continued support. However that doesn’t mean a blank cheque there has to be other sources of funding come to the table i.e. the county and province along with the fund raising efforts of your group.”
Larry Eaton (Mayoral Candidate):
“To: Friends of the Kentville Public Library
I believe a new modern and expanded library will be a welcome and much needed addition to our community and the surrounding area. The new facility could and should incorporate other cultural and community based activities thus providing the maximum benefit for all concerned.
I bow to the expertise of those already on the planning committee, who have done an excellent job to this point, in attempting to address the needs and wishes of our communities. I applaud their efforts to further the plans toward successful conclusion of this worthwhile project.
If elected I will work diligently for a successful conclusion to this most worthy cause.
Wishing you every success in the future.
Larry Eaton, candidate for mayor Town of Kentville. “
From Mark Pearl (Town Councillor):
“I am in support of the Regional Library. Multiuse is what I perceive as the best value. Providing meeting space and community access along with a sustainable building design will increase community pride. If reelected I will continue to advocate at the Provincial and Federal levels for funding and will encourage staff to assist your group. I would like to see a LEED facility with green spaces and access to trails and parks. Regards Mark Pearl “
Janet Newton, District 2 – Kings County Council (Municipal Councillor):
“1. A new library for Kentville is a must. I am supporting the county transferring county land to the town as a major contribution from the municipality of Kings County.
This will save the expense of having to purchase land.
2. I am Vice Chair of the AVRL Board so obviously I am going to vigourously help to secure funding from all possible sources. The Kentville library is very important to the residents of North Kentville.
3. I would like to see an outstanding children’s section, a courtyard, the latest technology, a reading room and lots more.”
Rosemary Segado, Conservative – Kings-Hants (Federal Rep.):
“Thank you for your e-mail to Rosemary Segado, your Conservative candidate in Kings-Hants. She is quite busy campaigning in the run up to election day, and has asked me to respond on her behalf. Your comments have been brought to her attention.
As an eight-year town councillor in Wolfville, Rosemary has a direct understanding of small towns in Nova Scotia and the various resources that help make our small towns thrive, including strong libraries. She has also been involved in various community groups over the years, including her local school advisory council; she appreciates the value of educational support resources, like libraries.
If elected as your Member of Parliament, Rosemary intends to work hard for her constituents and work on their behalf in Ottawa. As an MP, Rosemary Segado would be pleased to sit down with groups that have plans to strengthen our communities, such as the Friends of the Kentville Library Society. As an elected representative, she believes in working with her constituents to identify how to accomplish meaningful results while prudently staying within a government’s means.
As MP, Rosemary would be willing to explore funding possibilities through various government departments with respect to programmes which relate to community infrastructure like this. With the polls consistently showing throughout the election that the Conservative government will be re-elected, Rosemary would be able to advocate from within the federal government.
Thank you for taking the time to write to Rosemary Segado.”
Bill Boyd (Kentville Town Council):
“In response to your questions I am pleased to go on record that I am fully in support of a new Library for Kentville and area. I have stated my support on a number of occasions during my campaign. I feel a new regional library is long over due and is pleased to see the Friends of the Library actively pursuing the dream. If elected I will certainly support any efforts needed to secure funds from all levels of government, ( i.e. County of Kings, Federal and Provincial.) as partnering and cooperation will be very important. The new Library will be the cultural focal point for the Kentville area and as many multipurpose activities as possible should be include. The facility should be technically designed with as many energy and environmentally friendly components as financially possible. However the facility also has to be developed within the fiscal resources available.
Good Luck,
You have my support,”
Bill Connell (Candidate for Town Councillor)
To: Friends of the Kentville Library
I am in support of a new Library for the town and surrounding area and would work with your group to secure funds to complete this project. I feel that the new Library should be multipurpose and include areas for children and seniors alike. This facility should be designed to include as much modern technology and environmentally friendly components as financially possible. Personally I would like to see an large area that would allow all age groups access to computers and the internet. I would like to thank you for your questions and if elected will give you my full support to get this project completed.
Remember, it’s going to be a new library for all of us. Make sure to let your local candidate know you want it!
