We asked all council candidates to tell us, in their own 50 words or third-person, why they should be the next representative in their district.

Below are the responses for Districts 9-16 candidates. Districts 1-8 ran on Thursday and can be viewed by clicking here.

District 9: Peninsula West-Armdale

Giovanni (John) Abati: I understand the links between a prosperous regional municipality and a healthy environment. Thirty years experience in Watershed Planning (urban and rural,) 30 years experience in Environmental Education (habitats and species). Experience to achieve: efficient transportation and sustainable development through open government and prudent spending.

Richard MacLean: My experience working with local, provincial and national organizations and the positive change and collaborative discourse I have brought to those groups by working with stakeholders not against them is imperative for the HRM and the district.  I have helped create long-term plans and policies and followed them to reach success.

Linda Mosher: I am the one candidate that has proven ability to deliver significant results for residents. (bike lanes, Chain of Lakes Trail, Dingle Park Restoration.) I work 60-plus hours a week moving Halifax forward by engaging with residents, addressing their concerns, researching solutions, and using persuasive leadership to deliver results.

John Wimberly: We can do better. I entered the race to offer a clear vision, a new direction, and a real understanding of the issues. Working people want reliable public transit, safe communities, and smart development. I am committed to working to achieve these goals, with your help we can do it.

District 10: Birch Cove-Rockingham-Fairview

Kurt Bulger:  We are on the edge of becoming a great city, not just a nice city, but we need a council that is united and strategic in its efforts. It is a time for change and bold steps. Councillors need to address their local needs but at the same time be aware of the larger picture.

John Thibeau: I have acquired the knowledge and information necessary to fulfill the responsibilities required of a city councillor. I have strong leadership, communication and personal skills required to effectively make informed decisions for residents and to keep them informed. I have a passion to help. For trust and for change.

Russell Walker: I have a very comprehensive understanding of the strengths and needs of District 10. I have lived, raised my family and taught school here. Prior to being on council I volunteered in scouting, hockey, baseball and on the Residents Association. I am a full-time councillor and am readily accessible.

District 11: Spryfield-Sambro-Prospect Road

Stephen Adams: Voters should elect me as their councillor as I have the experience and leadership to ensure they are well represented at the neighbourhood, community and council level.  I have a proven track record of results and a very good reputation of working collaboratively with all individuals and community groups alike.

Peter Grabosky: Policy is decided by the majority vote but we must not forget the minority. Establish affordable rent and housing projects with sustainable green spaces and local markets. Create co-ops run by students and adult advisors from business and volunteer community. Develop an advisory committee of seniors, woman and youth to assist the 30 communities of District 11.

Jim Hoskins: I have been retired now for seven years from the Halifax Regional Police and have served my community for 36 years as a municipal employee and volunteer. I will be a full-time councillor and I also live in the district in Spryfield. I believe in term limits and a tax structure that is fair for all residents.

Tom Lavers: With my 25 years experience working for the city I have witnessed the lack of accountability and poor decisions being made by departments and council. Along with my more than 20 years of business experience I know I can make positive change and help lead this city to a more positive future.

District 12: Timberlea-Beechville-Clayton Park West

P. Rano Khokar: Did not respond.

Reg Rankin: Twenty-one years of experience being a councillor representing constituents in different communities outside of Timberlea including Hammonds Plains, Hubley, Beechville, Lakeside and the many different communities along Prospect Road. I would enjoy working closely with Clayton Park and Wedgewood residents as I have many different communities throughout my six terms.

Bruce E. Smith: An active community member. Halifax NW Trails Association Director. A balanced approach to development will safeguard our neighbourhoods. I work to protect community parks. Public transportation, urban redevelopment and taxation reform are my immediate focus. I have vision, enthusiasm, wisdom and energy balanced with maturity.

Mary Wile: Experience as a business education teacher and as a small business owner. Councillor for two terms for Clayton Park West. Achieved many district initiatives such as sidewalks, transit, trails, an accessible playground. Worked on the Stratford Way Gardens and Korea War Memorial. I will give full commitment to promoting greater engagement at all levels of the new District 12.

District 13: Hammonds Plains-St. Margarets

Peter Lund: Has 28 years of professional experience solving environmental challenges for multi-stakeholders including all three levels of government, financial institutions, law firms and industry. Peter is out in the community, listens, understands issues and is solution-oriented. He is patient yet persistent, passionate and outspoken on issues the community cares about.

Doug Poulton: A 26-year resident of Glen Haven and 20 of those years operating the White Sails Bakery (Tantallon) has made me service-oriented, trustworthy, accountable, dependable and a strong voice in the district. Area knowledge and knowing the issues that we encounter as taxpayers in District 13. This and my determination make me the ideal candidate.

Matt Whitman: For 20 years I have built a reputation and a career based on serving others and helping others. I am known as someone who “works well with others.” I will represent HRM 13 with consistency, respect and collaboration. It’s time for a fresh vision from an accessible transparent team player.

District 14: Upper/Middle Sackville-Beaver Bank

Brad (BJ) Johns: A lifelong Sackville resident, and currently councillor, I understand the challenges District 14 residents face. I live here, not an hour away in another community. Your issues are my issues. I have the proven experience and knowledge to provide strong representation for residents on a significantly smaller regional council.

Laurie Sauers: HRM is broken. Re-electing Deputy Mayor Brad Johns is madness. Here is my oath: I will represent all areas of my district equally and promise to fight for your concerns. Having lived in vibrant cities: Calgary, Vancouver and Denver, I realize the potential HRM has. Change is scary but necessary.

District 15: Lower Sackville

Steve Craig: HRM council requires experienced and caring leadership. I bring 30 years proven diverse management experience in a large business, and 30 years deep community knowledge and understanding gained through active volunteerism at leadership and governance levels.  With this experience I will work hand-in-hand with others for the benefit of HRM.

Janet Langille: I am offering to represent my community as an elected public servant to be its decision maker as we create together an improved and more sustainable community.  I want a strong Sackville in a strong municipality based on a quality of life second to none for my family and yours.

Stephen Taylor: I want to fight for Lower Sackville’s priorities. I am talking about free transit days for seniors, community transit, flooding, reliable services and smarter spending. These issues are not being addressed. We need a responsible council. It’s time for action. If you agree I hope you will vote for me.

Curt Wentzell: Since many councillors will not be returning to office, this is an excellent opportunity to get HRM back on track.  The previous council impeded itself by playing party politics.  Since I do not belong to any party, I can transparently work with anyone while remaining accountable without patronage or limitations.

Ian Wilson: Municipal government is the truest form of community representation.  The decisions made by regional council directly affect HRM. With decades of direct involvement in both the educational and recreational programs within Sackville I have heard the issues affecting our community. I have also had the opportunity to prove my leadership and commitment to our community.

District 16: Bedford-Wentworth

Tim Outhit: Over the past four years I have done exactly what I told my constituents I would do. I demonstrated leadership, action, transparency, and my ability to communicate and collaborate. I have helped achieve smaller government, new facilities and infrastructure, and fought tax increases.

Mark Ward: I have a chance to make a difference and be a leader in our community. As a committed volunteer I have a sincere desire to make our community a better place.  My energy and enthusiasm is my most important asset to be a successful councillor and I will learn the rest.