I wish to express my gratitude and thanks for electing me to serve as your Municipal Councillor. It will be an honour to serve you once again in this capacity. I have had the privilege to take a AProvincial Sabbatical@ to serve a term as the Preston MLA. With that opportunity, I was able to bring some significant improvements to the area. Now, it is my hope to bring about some further changes that will improve our quality of life in District 3. Over the next 11 months, before the next General Municipal Elections in October 2004, I will continue to provide you with a monthly newsletter. I am starting where I had left off with Issue #73. Plus this time I will have my own web-site and District office. I am looking forward to this challenge especially now as HRM is preparing its 2004-05 Budget.

At this time I would like to personally thank all the people that have supported me over the years, and especially those who volunteered during the last few campaign months. I am grateful for all of  the help with the signs, telephone calls, door-to-door canvassing, campaign office duties, and fund-raising. Without your moral support my morale would have been over-taxed.

I would also like to acknowledge and commend those many individuals and organizations that came to the forefront in the face of  adversity of Hurricane Juan. The RCMP, the Power Crews, the local Fire Departments and their respective Auxiliaries, the Mineville Community Association, the Lawrencetown Community Centre Association and the Lake Echo Lions Community Centre for their efforts in alleviating some of the stress and provide comfort and assistance to those that needed help. The wrath and aftermath of Hurricane Juan brought out the true resiliency and generosity of neighbours helping neighbours. So many public-spirited people worked so hard on the recovery effort. Sharing the tasks of cleaning up and offering to help out with chainsaws, generators, hot meals, showers,  and shelter. Your response was extraordinary during a very difficult time. These people and local groups have shown great dedication to their community and Province. Because of their hard work, our District  remains to be a wonderful place to live. I would like to thank them all for their dedication and service and congratulate them on their accomplishments.

HRM can help homeowners pay their property taxes through a payment plan or a variety of assistance programs. There are different programs to choose from depending on each person=s situation, especially those  with low-income households of $26,000 or less. Deadline for Applications is December 31st, 2003. If eligible, you can get up to $450 taken off of your property tax bill. Please note that there is a Minimum Property Tax Levy of $200. The maximum rebates will not lower your tax bill below that $200 limit. For more details; please call HRM Corporate Call Centre 490-4000 or toll-free 1-800-835-6428. Applications must be accompanied by a copy of your Revenue Canada Personal Income Tax Assessment Summary Sheet. If you can not locate your CCRA Summary Sheet, please call them at 1-800-959-8281 to have a copy sent to you. Seniors should also check out the NS Property Tax Rebate Program. In 2003, the program will provide each qualifying recipient with a 50% rebate of the property taxes paid to a maximum of $400. To find out more information please call 1-877-296-9338 or 424-4500. Application deadline is also Dec. 31st.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a very happy and safe Holiday Season. At this time of the year there are many types of spiritual and cultural celebrations. Season's Greetings,  Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanza, Merry Christmas, Joyeux Noel, Peace On Earth and Goodwill to one and all; to everybody everywhere! The Holiday Season can be a very stressful time of year for some people. Unfortunately, they do not manage their anger well and subsequently their families bear the brunt of their frustration.Over the past few years, various community groups have been working on a peace at home campaign known as the 14 Days in December - Gentle Ways Are Best. To mark these community campaigns, there are Tree Lighting Ceremonies being held throughout the area. I encourage everyone to practice peace and have tranquility and harmony in their lives. Take Care!