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Councillor’s
Communiqué : NOVEMBER 2004 - Issue # 84 |
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DAVID HENDSBEE
HRM COUNCILLOR
STANDING UP FOR DISTRICT 3
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT !!!
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THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT |
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I wish
to express my gratitude and thanks for re-electing
me to serve as your Municipal Councillor. It will be
an honour to serve you once again in this capacity.
Over the past 11 months, since the By-Election back
on November 8th, 2003, I provided you with a monthly
newsletter and will continue to do so into the
future. I am looking forward to the challenges
ahead.
At this time I would like to personally thank all
4,217 residents who voted for me. The results were
overwhelming; in fact, I had the highest single vote
tally of all 23 HRM Councillors. I feel truly
blessed ! As for those who did not support me, I
hope my endeavours over the next 4 years will earn
your respect and support in the future.
I wish to thank those who volunteered during the
campaign that helped with the signs, telephone
calls, door-to-door canvassing, and fund-raising. I
could not have done it without you. My heartfelt
thanks once again ! |
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PROPERTY TAX REBATE & RELIEF |
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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, 2004.
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; 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 (RC) Personal Income Tax
Assessment Summary Sheet. If you can not locate your
RC Summary Sheet, 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. That Provincial program will provide
each qualifying recipient with a 50% rebate of the
property taxes paid to a maximum of $400. To find
out more info; call 1-877-296-9338 or 424-4500.
Application deadline is also December 31st. |
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REMEMBRANCE DAY OBSERVATIONS |
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At the
11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month we are
asked to take time out and observe a two minute
moment of silence. This is quite a symbolic national
statement of solemn observation.
Our deep military history and way of life recognizes
the need for us to remember the sacrifices made by
those who fought for our liberty and freedom.
Canadians from all walks of life will be asked to
take this pause and reflect upon what has been given
up for us in order to have our peace and security
today.
Please buy a Poppy; thank a Veteran; and attend any
local cenotaph ceremonies.
Lest We Forget ! |
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PRESTON CULTURAL FESTIVAL 2004 |
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During the month of November there will be various
events and performances showcasing some of the
wonderful talent that Preston has to offer.
The Festival Opening will be on Friday, Nov.
12th @ 7:30 PM at the East Preston Recreation
Centre.
From then until Nov. 28th, there will be a gospel
concert (Nov. 13th), a musical drama, workshops,
receptions, art shows, storytelling, readings,
lectures, and church services throughout the Preston
communities and Metro.
This years'
theme is "Carrying On The Dream". For
more information, please contact the Festival
Office: By
phone: 446-7070; & Fax 446-7071. E-mail & Website
addresses: prestonfestival@banns.ca
www.banns.ca/festivals/2004/events.htm |
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PEACEFUL & GENTLE WAYS ARE BEST |
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The Holiday Season can be a stressful time for many
and, far too often, this may lead to violence and
abuse in our communities. Various groups have been
involved in promoting a peace in our homes
initiative known as the "14 Days in December, Gentle
Ways Are Best".
Check out this new web-site
www.14days.ca
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Local
organizations will be marking this campaign with
Public Tree Lighting Ceremonies throughout our
communities. Please make the effort to attend one
nearest you. Lake Echo's Tree Lighting Ceremony &
Sing-a-long is on Friday, December 3rd at 7:00 PM at
the Lake Echo Community Centre. |
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OUR
LOCAL FACILITIES NEED HELP |
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I will
be studying the need to assist our District 3
community-based facilities with some of their major
operational cost items ( primarily telephone, heat &
lights).
Recently HRM altered its tax rate structure and
eliminated the local area rates for our Fire
Departments. They are now covered under the HRM
Rural General Base Tax Rate. But our HRM owned and
our Community-owned facilities were left out of the
loop for any significant operational aid. You should
know all HRM facilities inside the Urban Core have
their net operational costs satisfied by the Urban
General Base Tax Rate. That is not the case in the
rural parts of HRM.
Volunteers are burning out and fund-raising
efforts are drying up. Most of these facilities are
or will be encountering demands to meet their
operational costs. Not to mention the pressure that
some are facing with insurance premiums.
I will be asking all community groups for more
detailed information about their facility activity
and costs. It is my hope that we will have a Public
Consultation about amending the current District 3
Area Rate for Capital Projects and incorporating an
'Operational' component to it to help our community
organizations and volunteer groups with their
operational needs. |
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Sincerely,
Councillor David Hendsbee
#
3288 - # 7 Hwy, Lake Echo, NS, B3E 1C6
Web-Site:
www.hendsbee.ns.ca & http://www.halifax.ca/
E-Mail:
david@hendsbee.ns.ca hendsbd@halifax.ca
829-2465
(Office)
829-3620
(Fax)
483-0705
(Cell)
490-4050
(Halifax)
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