Murray Scott to Retire as Cumberland Mayor
Cumberland Mayor Murray Scott will not campaign for the position in the next round of municipal elections set for October.
The Mayor announced his decision to hang up the gavel on his regular weekly appearance on Six Rivers Radio’s Morning Talk yesterday.
Scott came out of retirement from provincial politics to seek the position just over three years ago. He said it is a demanding job that takes him away from home more than expected. In a family decision, he intends to spend more time at home and with family.
The affable Scott is the first mayor of the Municipality of Cumberland. Previously, voters elected 13 councillors by district and the councillors elected one of their own to be Warden and chair of the county council.
However, the last out-going council voted to change the system, now irrevocable, to elect eight councillors by district and voters across the municipality elected the mayor.
The new system flourished under Scott’s leadership. The group of nine came together as a team and began working for the overall good of Cumberland, even if it meant one district seemed to gain more than another. The parochial approach has been largely absent as council has successfully met the substantial needs of Parrsboro refurbished water and sewer service, a massive repair and upgrade to water services and street re-building of Junction Road in Springhill, and a long-awaited library in Pugwash, just to name a few.
Cumberland has undertaken a substantial review of police and fire services, and is considering a massive solar farm has a hedge against future energy needs and costs.
Scott said the next five year capital plan will be up to the next mayor and council, but he hopes they will continue the revamp of fire services which started under his leadership.
Part of his vision for continuity in fire protection across Cumberland, Scott says the fire service needs a substantial and long-term commitment to ensure the sixteen fire departments are properly equipped and trained to face the dangers firefighters face every time the alarm sounds.
The next municipal election will be held on Saturday, October 20 when all seats will be up for grabs.
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