Endorsements

As this municipal election campaign has progressed I’ve had to the chance to personally speak with three of the four candidates for Mayor of Kings County to hear them share their vision for the next 4 years if elected. While I believe all four candidates would bring unique skills and abilities to the position of Mayor, there is one candidate who has stood out above the rest.

 

That is why I’m announcing my personal endorsement of Pauline Raven for Mayor. Pauline has a common sense platform that’s focused on ensuring all of us as taxpayers get the best value for our money through zero based budgeting, a concept I’ve practiced as Fire Chief for a number of years now, which helps ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

 

I’m also confident in Pauline’s commitment to deal with the challenges council has faced in the last four years with regards to land use and planning in Kings, an issue which needs addressing to reduce conflicts between our fellow citizens.

Finally, what stands out most in my discussions will Pauline is her commitment to fully understanding the issues, and her desire to ensure our communities are properly consulted and involved prior to major decisions being made, something that has not been done well by Kings County in the past which we all saw during the Greenwich Fire Department matter in 2022.

 

Please consider joining me in supporting Pauline for Mayor by casting your vote for her.

— Jason Ripley
Personal Endorsement for Pauline

A solid candidate, who knows how to collaborate with council members, other municipal units and the Provincial and Federal Governments. She is truly running to make a difference, not just the pay cheque. Other municipal units speak highly of her and her capabilities. — Beverly Grant
A solid candidate

I have spent a lot of time watching our Kings County Council over the last several years—in council chambers and online. I have also spent a lot of time at other community meetings, up and down the valley, where the community people  have taken issue with decisions made by their elected representatives.
This experience has provided me with a clear choice for county Mayor in this upcoming election: Pauline Raven. No one will ever agree with 100 percent of anything any politician says or does, but we all must believe that whatever stand they take on any issue must be done with integrity and with respect for the citizens they are elected to “serve”! A clear and accepted understanding that their position is one of service is the most important issue that they must embrace! It is for these reasons that I am supporting Pauline Raven for Mayor. I urge you all to consider doing the same!
— Sheron Ann Hatt Atwell, Wolfville Ridge
Ready to serve

In this era of sound bite politics, it can often be difficult to discern substance from posturing and an interest in public service from an interest in self-service.  Pauline, I have found you to be of solid character and when managing projects your sincere interest in seeing all sides has always shone through.  I admire your poise and respect your ability to get things done.  To my mind, in the arena of public service, these qualities are the foundation of solid leadership. This October I'll be thankful to cast my vote for you. The County of Kings couldn't ask for a more conscientious and caring Mayor.  

 

— John Robichaud, Gaspereau Valley
Substance. Poise. Solid Leadership

When I first met Pauline, I was drawn to this intelligent, articulate and feisty woman with a good sense of humour and a passion for making things right. Some of the areas I’ve watched her steadily advance include women’s sexual and reproductive health, 2SLGTQIA+ rights, eliminating poverty, supporting families, protecting agricultural land, and newcomer supports. Pauline listens and is interested in lived experiences. She is open to different perspectives, engages communities, knows how to work collaboratively, and understands what it takes to make a difference. She has supported individuals and families directly, influenced policy and advocated for legislative changes locally, provincially, and federally. I trust Pauline’s leadership and experience. She will be an inspiring Mayor.  — Cari Patterson, Community Psychologist, Gospel Woods Road
Intelligent, articulate, feisty, passionate about making things right

I have been on different committees and groups and when we go to meetings, cleanups or events I have seen in all cases the councillor in, at that time, or the one trying to get in, pop in for a short time, just long enough to say hi and get a pic to show that they were there. Not Pauline. She would be to all of them and not just for show. She was right in the dirt at clean up time or doing whatever she was asked of her. She makes time for people and is not scared to get her hands dirty. I have a lot of respect for that reason.

Centreville Park Board Member while Pauline was our Councillor

— Clarke Lent
Not just for show

Pauline has always been a huge supporter of our volunteer team, and was instrumental in helping us achieve very significant goals, such as consistent adequate funding and a garage for our vehicles. In fact, Pauline was such a help that we made her an honorary member of the team. I have no doubt that she will act with good judgement, compassion, and accountability in the position of Mayor.

President, Valley Search and Rescue

— Ashley Perry
Huge Supporter

Pauline Raven is an exceptional candidate for Mayor of the Municipality of the County of Kings. I have had the pleasure of knowing Pauline for a number of years, going back to the time when I was a school principal continually advocating for a universal food program and Pauline provided me with encouragement and thoughtful recommendations to achieve that goal.  Among councillors she was a dynamic proponent of school food policy in the County of Kings. Financial support for for food programs continues in every school. Pauline is honest, respectful, and values transparency in government. Her dedication, passion and commitment to excellence, will serve the people of Kings County well. I can think of no better person than Pauline Raven to serve as Mayor of the County of Kings and to positively influence the lives of all those she would serve.

— Heather Morse, Somerset
Committed to Excellence

I am delighted that you are running for Mayor. I am confident Kings County will be extremely well served with you at its head!! You address the details of an endeavour within a respectful process of collaboration and you never lose sight of the end goal!! Your effectiveness in managing complicated projects is so memorable I give it special mention in my second book which will be launched in the next few weeks. I am an unwavering supporter of your bid to be the next Mayor of Kings County. You got my vote in a heartbeat.

Ruth Abernethy, Canadian Sculptor, Creator of the Gesner Monument, Middle Dyke Road

— Ruth Abernethy
Wonderful collaborator

I see you in the role of Mayor.

You are a spectacular leader, not saying you are an easy one, in a good way! Kings County needs leaders like you, who see a vision and fight for it. I think this is a wonderful move. Wow, you are a courageous woman, but I've always thought you were, so glad to hear you're in!

All I have are words of encouragement... please continue pushing for the future viability of Kings County, meaning farming but also the sustained growth of business and population. 

It truly gave me a lift to hear today you were running. I will be rooting for you.

— Irvin Nicholson
It truly gave me a lift

I've known Pauline for over 40 years, in recent years as the county councillor for my area. For eight years she proved to be a true asset--getting to the bottom of things of concern to us. Pauline became widely recognized for her high energy approach and drive to get things done. Pauline is now seeking to to be the mayor of the Municipality of Kings. There's no hesitation on my part to support her in gaining that honour and responsibility. — Ruth Anne Stirling
A true asset

There's a whole lot I like and admire about Pauline Raven. But, what attracts me the most is the fact that she does not suffer fools gladly--including me. She gives her all to every job she takes on. She expects all those working with her to do the same. Exactly the way we need a Mayor to be. Exactly why I will vote for her. — Skip Hambling
Always gives it her all

Saw your news on Facebook! I am so excited for you Pauline and if I can help in any way you can count on me! I believe in your passion and in your being the most experienced in navigating policy and barriers to making things better. As well you are very sharp and humble when you listen to people's needs. You are the reason I have had a positive experience in my professional journey.

Former Kings County Employee

— Gaby Rosales
Sharp and humble

I worked with Pauline while I was a librarian at Acadia University. It was a great satisfaction for me to see how she used the raw data I provided to achieve a great cause. Pauline shone in the national push for an increased Canada Child Tax Benefit for every family in Canada. Hard work. The ability to look at things from every angle. The capacity to move people to action. These are the traits we'll get when we elect Pauline Raven Mayor for the County of Kings. — Mary MacLeod
Pauline shone

Wow! I am enormously impressed and in awe of your commitment and energy. I think you'd make an awesome Mayor. I will help your campaign in anyway I can. "Mayor Raven" -- I like the sound of it: powerful, provocative with a good dose of 'trickster' energy in the best sense of the word. Bravo for you my friend!! — Pat Kipping
Targeted Energy

Over the years our family has watched Pauline and our Mother, Geraldine Browning, work together on many community projects. We've watched Pauline reach out, without any need to be prompted when help was needed; whether it was seniors or young people. Pauline served two successful terms as a Kings County councillor and fulfilled her role far beyond the expectations people have of government. Pauline has truly made a difference for our African Nova Scotia Community of Gibson Woods. My mother calls her "best friend" and "my soul sister". They have had a very positive experience on each others lives and in the community. Vote Pauline Raven for Mayor! You will not be disappointed! — Terrilynn Browning
Best friend

Pauline is an enthusiastic supporter of youth entrepreneurs. I remember her support connecting KinderPrise youth to her council, helping Annapolis Valley Refresh find resources to move programs forward, and attending events to learn first hand about what we do. KinderPrise and other initiatives benefit from her kind of REAL help. As Mayor, I’m certain she would be constantly finding ways to increase opportunities for the kids and teens of Kings County.

— Michael Caplan, Refresh Annapolis Valley
Constantly finding ways

Pauline brings skills and experience best suited for the position of Mayor in a county as large and diverse as Kings. She is caring, knowledgeable and knows there is no substitute for hard work.  She knows the concerns of the general electorate. Her success as a councillor for eight years when she represented various types of communities like Halls Harbour, Centreville, Meadowview and North Kentville shows how capable she is. Pauline is a proven team player. She will bring her experience from executive positions in provincial and national organizations to help council work cohesively. Commitment is needed to understand issues and advocate for the best solutions. Citizens of Kings County will be well served by Mayor Raven!

— John Calpin, Business Manager, Fidelis House
Team player

Pauline, you have always been a voice for building brighter futures. It's who you are; a person of conviction who is not afraid to speak up for the betterment of others and for communities. You have been an inspiration to me many times during our work in community development - from the boardrooms to classrooms of the Kids Action Program. I've seen the Community Action Program for Children from the Atlantic provinces all the way to Canada's West Coast benefit from your leadership and passion for action.  

— Daphne Goodine, Hants East Councillor (2000-2008)
Brighter Futures

Pauline Raven has long been a strong community advocate for marginalized community members throughout the region. She has contributed to the continued growth of the Valley African Nova Scotia Development Association (VANSDA) for many years. Her dedication to advance equality and opportunity is unquestionable and is witnessed by the many actions she has championed. I endorse her bid to be Mayor of Kings County. Champions within municipal governments are absolutely necessary to ensure the health and safety of all community members. We at the Valley African Nova Scotia Development Association wish her success in this October's municipal election! — Robert Ffrench, Executive Director Valley African Association of Nova Scotia
Community Advocate

Dependability Plus

Pauline served as Councillor for our area for eight years. She participated in our community's activities and was an invaluable addition to the Centreville District Community Development Association. She kept us informed of municipal issues that affect the community and acted as a liaison with the appropriate provincial and federal representatives over any questions we had and linked us to project funding at all three levels of government. Her knowledge of programs and grants helped us secure funding for projects that otherwise would not have been possible. Most admirable is her dependability: if she says she is going to do something, she does it - and does it well. She is the very best choice for Mayor of the County of Kings.

— Mervin Steadman
Director of the Centreville and District Community Development Association