TRURO – Charles Cox and Christine Grimm are more than ready to take on the responsibility of becoming a candidate in the next provincial election.
The two are seeking the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative nomination for Truro Bible Hill and one of them will be chosen as the successful candidate tonight. The nomination meeting will take place at Cobequid Educational Centre at 7 p.m.
Cox and Grimm said there are many reasons for the Tory party to return to political power in Truro-Bible Hill, an area that has traditionally been Conservative. In the last provincial election, Lenore Zann brought NDP status to the town.
"People are looking for a more active level of government. They'd like to see a change with an active MLA," said Grimm, adding there are numerous issues that need to be dealt with on a provincial level.
"There are a lot of unhappy people over education cuts and health care for seniors and ... the impact on HST on fixed income and the impact of power costs."
Grimm believes it's possible to dethrone Zann.
"I wouldn't put my name in if I didn't think I could be successful," Grimm said, adding she believes she's the best candidate because of
"my ability to connect with people. A lot of my work as a consultant is in communication. I take opportunities to make improvements and come up with plans to go forward."
Cox agreed with Grimm that the NDP has fallen short on its leadership.
"The people will have to decide that the NDP policies are not working. People have issues with the economy and education and downloading of debt on municipalities, which shows up as property taxes," said Cox.
He said despite the fact "Lenore (Zann) is a well thought of person in this area" she can be defeated in the next election because her party's "policies are not working."
Cox said he's the best candidate because "I am fair minded and see both sides of issues and I've been in politics on a municipal level so I know how to get things done."
Grimm and Cox will speak at the nomination meeting tonight. PC Leader Jamie Baillie will be the keynote speaker at the event, which is expected to draw up to 900 voting members who will select the candidate who will represent the local Tories in the next provincial election.
mchiasson@trurodaily.com
GRIMM BIO
Candidate: Christine Grimm
Resident of: Bible Hill since 2005
Age: 47
Family: Is married with three kids (ages nine, 11 and 18)
Employment: Health-care consultant with a large pharmaceutical company.
Political experience: She was a YPG (Young Progressive Conservative). She was also chairwoman of the local PC committee during the 2009 provincial election campaign as well as the 2011 federal election campaign. In 2010-2011, she was the vice-president of the Truro-Bible Hill PC Association and this year is its president but took a leave of absence for the provincial nomination.
Accomplishments: She is on the board of directors of the Atlantic Provinces Special Education Authority; is inaugural president of Truro Star (a sensory/motor training and recreation program for children with special needs); nominated for 2010 volunteer of the year in Truro.
Hobbies: Recreation women's soccer, skiing, mountain biking, volunteering, on the Colchester Regional Hospital Foundation's board of directors, chairwoman of Bible Hill East Court Road Elementary School's advisory council.
COX BIO
Candidate: Charles Cox
Resident of: Lifelong resident of Truro
Age: 61
Family: Is married with two grown daughters
Employment: Lawyer
Political experience: Truro town councillor for 14 years and was treasurer and secretary on the executive of the Colchester Musquodoboit Valley PC Association. He's also been legal advisor to candidates and is now on the advisory board and is legal counsel for the Truro-Bible Hill PC Association.
Accomplishments: On the board of deacons at First Baptist Church; started the town's tourism and youth advisory committees; instrumental in preventing the tourist bureau from moving out of Truro; and initiated an audit committee for the town.
Hobbies: Mountain biking, sailing, tennis, volunteering
