Burrows will carry ridings Liberal colours into next federal election

VALLEY - Green Oaks dairy farmer Jim Burrows is the Cumberland Colchester Musquodoboit Valley Liberal candidate for the next federal election.
Burrows, 51, operator of Clover Crest Farm Limited in Greek Oaks, celebrated a landslide victory over Bible Hill's Tracy Parsons Saturday during a nomination meeting in which more than 200 people attended.
Burrows received 175 of 206 votes cast by party faithful during the meeting; Parsons - the party's candidate in the last federal election - received 31 votes. There were no spoiled ballots.
The enthusiasm in the crowd for Burrows during his nomination speech made the victory less than surprising. Chants of "Jim, Jim, Jim" followed Burrows to the podium as he made his speech and exuberant clapping erupted throughout his speech regularly.
"The first time I spoke in public was with 4-H. 'What did you do for Nova Scotia today' was the first line of that speech," said Burrows.
He used that example of years of interest in the province and his never wavering intent to take an active role in his community.
"Words are cheap but ... I've always found time to be involved in the community ... I
have a passion to see people are well represented" in the riding for the next federal election, Burrows said.
He said he has "signed many new Liberals and brought back former ones" to the party fold and although Saturday was a day of celebration, he was prepared to get to work the next day making himself ready for when an election is called.
"A federal election could happen any day," he said. Burrows confirmed Truro's Bob Hagell will be his campaign chairman.
Lower Truro's Dave Parsons, no relation to Tracy, was thrilled with Burrows' victory.
"Jim will fight for the small people and farmers. It's not just his personality, it's the way he brought up his kids, his good family values and the way he gives to his community," said Dave.
Parsons was gracious in her defeat and was quick to congratulate Burrows. Earlier in her speech Parsons pointed out she represents integrity and wants what is best for the province.
"For 25 years (as a politician) I fought political injustices and filth that has been in our political system," she said.
Parsons' passion for politics is admirable, said Truro's Evan Price.
"She's not content with mediocracy. She's always looking for ways to improve and has a proven long tenure in politics," said Price, a Parsons' supporter.

mchiasson@trurodaily.com