The Grapevine on Government Special Provincial Election Questionnaire: GINNY HURLOCK
By Emily Leeson & Emily KathanÂ
We asked a series of questions to all the candidates from Hants West, Kings North, Kings South, Kings West, and Annapolis. We’ve printed a selection of these questions and answers in The Grapevine. Leading up to the election on May 30, we’ll be sharing online the entire questionnaire as completed by each candidate who took the time to do so.
The answers below were provided by: Ginny Hurlock, PC Candidate for Annapolis
GV (The Grapevine): What strategies are being used by your campaign to engage potential voters, particularly in demographics with typically low voter turnout? Do you have specific strategies for engaging with youth?
Very active on FB and Twitter, holding events, getting out, speaking with people. It’s important for voters to meet their candidates. I can’t get everywhere but trying to get to as many doorsteps as possible. People deserve to be heard. The Premier’s doing his part to ensure greater voter turnout.
GV:Â What do you think might present barriers to higher voter turnout? What is your campaign doing to overcome those barriers?
Voting now is easier than ever. Truly, I think that the greatest barrier to voter turnout is apathy. Many people feel that they don’t have a voice or that, however they vote, it doesn’t make a difference. We engage voters to show them that’s not true.
GV: What’s the most interesting question a constituent has asked you as you’ve been campaigning door to door?
Nothing too bizarre, really. People just want to know what you can do to help them with their particular issues.
GV:Â How does your daily life differ now that the election has been called?
My partner and I now only meet fleetingly before I fall into bed late each evening. Whether in the Campaign office or at the doorsteps my day begins around 8am and I’m not often home before 10pm. I’m very conscious of being highly visible and having to be always available.
GV:Â Describe the way you see the relationship between MLAs and the municipal units within their electoral districts. How would you work with towns and counties to further mutual interests?
I would like to see a lot more support given to the municipal units by the provincial government. Municipalities have great responsibility and it would be great to have more collaboration with all levels of government.
GV:Â The Valley has a vibrant and growing creative economy. What policies and strategies do you propose to support and expand the arts community at the provincial level?
Borrowing an idea from a friend, I would like to see tax breaks, instead of tax penalties, for artists and artisans working from home. In our constituency many of my friends and neighbours earn their living through the creative economy. I would like to support them in doing just that.
GV:Â What are you doing to support and attract young families living and working in rural Nova Scotia?
As an immigrant, I realise the challenges of integrating into a new community.
In order to attract families we will focus on improving the healthcare system, cut red tape for small business, raise the small business tax threshold, increase the basic personal income tax allowance, and oppose any carbon tax.
GV: Will you have time to attend Apple Blossom Festival events this year? What’s your favourite event?
I wouldn’t miss it – I love the Parade. It is on the same day as my birthday this year, so it’ll be extra special.
