Questions & Answers with Tim Outhit

TIMe FOR STRAIGHT TALK & MYTH BUSTING!

Why do you want to be the Councillor for Bedford?

I believe that if you want things to improve, you have to be willing to step up and take action. That’s why I joined the Ridgevale Homeowners Association shortly after moving to Bedford in 2000. Now, like many Bedford residents, I’m concerned by the slow pace of progress on a rink, soccer fields, a new library, roads, playgrounds and more efficient public transportation.

What education and training do you possess?

I have a BA in Political Science and History from Dalhousie University. I completed executive and management programs in business at Queen’s University, York University, and the University of Toronto. I have 25 years of practical experience, having done business in 10 provinces, 33 states, and 11 countries.

What makes a good Councillor?

An effective Councillor must be a good communicator; this means a good listener as well as a good talker. They must be competent in areas like financial management, economic development, human capital / resources, strategic planning, media relations, and law. I have this training and this experience.

Further, I would like to see an annual report card or evaluation process implemented for Councillors in HRM. This is done in other jurisdictions in North America.

Why do you think you would make a good Councillor?

I am not looking for a job, rather I want to offer my 25 years of experience and expertise in business, government relations, economic development, consensus-building and relationship-building to help move Bedford forward. We live in a terrific community, but it can be better. Bedford residents want a strong voice on council — they want the kind of leadership Gary Martin gave us. I believe I can be that voice.

I’ve learned a lot about how to get things done with government in my career and in my volunteer job as a neighbourhood association president. I can bring that experience — with my track record of action on issues like security patrols, better lighting, sidewalk construction, traffic lights and a community website — to help all areas in Bedford get the amenities they deserve.

Where did you grow up and how long have you lived in Bedford?

I grew up just down the Bedford Highway in Rockingham. My family and I have lived in Bedford since August, 2000 when I returned home after working and taking training in Moncton, Vancouver, and Toronto.

Do you have family in Bedford?

Yes, my wife and I live in Ridgevale and our daughters attend Eaglewood Elementary School. My wife, Sandra Toze, has family in Oakmount and in Eaglewood.

Why is your opponent placing stickers on his signs that say “full-time Councillor”?

I have made it clear since day one that I am not looking for a new job. I have a commitment and a passion for my role as president & CEO of novaknowledge. A number of very capable and effective HRM Councillors are not “fulltime” Councillors. novaknowledge allows me to interact with some of the best minds in business, government, and education throughout Nova Scotia and Canada, access that will be helpful to Bedford. The vast majority of Bedford residents that I have met on close to 2000 doorsteps believe that having an EFFECTIVE councilor is the priority; full-time or not is not the issue.

Tell me more about novaknowledge.

novaknowledge was established in 1993 as an advocacy group and think-tank to promote a knowledge-driven (“new”) economy for Nova Scotia. We know that we must take action to attract immigrants and new business to Nova Scotia. Also, we must establish policies and programs to retain our youth and young workers. novaknowledge leads this action through advocacy, research, collaboration, innovation and policy development.

The organization also established the Computers for Schools program that is responsible for placing 54% of the computers used in schools, CAP Centres, libraries, and non-profit organizations throughout Nova Scotia.

Our members are leaders from business, education and government throughout Nova Scotia. I am two years into a commitment and I keep my commitments. My leadership has resulted in the re-branding, re-vitalization of this 15 year old organization. Also, our membership has grown by over 265% under my leadership and we receive no core funding from any level of government.

Are you for or against amalgamation?

My grandfather (Dr. W.D. Outhit QC) incorporated Bedford into a town in 1979 just at the end of his 30 year position as Chairman of the Nova Scotia Public Utilities Board (PUB), which is now known as the URB. Many of us miss the old days of Bedford as a wonderful town! However, those days are gone and Premier MacDonald has stated that he is not supportive of any de-amalgamation movement. My hope is that HRM will receive the Charter that will provide more empowerment to community associations and to HRM District Councillors.

Do you support the Bedford Community Council?

Yes. I support any group that helps reduce bureaucracy and that will help me get improved facilities and infrastructure for Bedford.

Do you support the Citizens for Halifax Association?

I have attended a couple of meetings, as have Mayor Kelly and several HRM Councillors. I support some of their objectives including: investigating tax reform and encouraging more people to take an interest in municipal politics. I do not support the break-up of HRM. Also, I am not part of any movement to replace any existing Councillors or Mayor Kelly. I have met one-on-one with Mayor Kelly and I made this very clear to him. Plus, I was impressed by his knowledge of Bedford issues and his passion for Bedford.

Are you a Mayor Kelly supporter?

As the Councillor for Bedford I will remain neutral on his campaign as he has done on my campaign. I look forward to working with Peter after May 3.

What are the major issues that you hear from Bedford residents?

The residents of Bedford want action on infrastructure, better public transportation, an all-age and sustainable recreation facility, another access point to the Bicentennial Highway from south Bedford, the Burnside Bypass, proactive neighbourhood policing, accessible playgrounds and an off-leash dog park. Bedfordites are intrigued by the idea of more homeowners associations handling these issues; they like my experience on this front. Gary Martin and I discussed this model many times.

Are you in favour of the proposed fast ferry service?

Only if we can get the infrastructure in place that will allow for efficient and cost-effective transportation to and from the ferry wharf. Ideally, I like the idea of the ferry but I do not want to create further grid-lock in Bedford during rush hour or to turn our waterfront into a parking lot. If the ferry service comes with innovative solutions such as park and rides, bus lanes, and shuttle buses it will have my support.

What facilities do you want to see built in Bedford?

A multi-purpose and all-age facility that is sustainable by using the latest technology to reduce its operating costs. This facility must contain rinks, soccer fields, basketball courts, and meeting areas for seniors and for community groups. An indoor pool must also be considered as part of the overall facility.

I also want to see another bi-centennial highway access point in south Bedford, and the long-promised Burnside Bypass.

What are your plans for public transportation?

We need better rush hour service and 24 hour service. A combination of larger buses, more bus-only lanes, and more shuttle buses linking commuters to major hubs are required. If the fast ferry service becomes a reality, these initiatives will still be required to get commuters to the wharf and to areas not serviced by the ferry.

What are your thoughts on bike paths, playgrounds, and dog parks?

We need all of them and now. We need more bike paths to protect cyclists and reduce traffic and pollution. We need playgrounds with better equipment for those over 6 and those under 3, and some that are accessible for special needs children. We need an off-leash dog park in Bedford.