
Ward 2 - Margaret Bogle Hicks, Matthew Dick, Loretta Elderkin, Jason V. Horsman, Hartley O'Connor, and Jared Allen Parsons

Margaret Bogle Hicks
My name is Margaret Bogle Hicks. I’ve lived in Riverside-Albert for over 10 years and in Albert County for almost my whole life. I love this area. It’s a great place to call home and many residents are like my family.
The reason that I’m offering in this election is that I’d like to see the working class from Riverside-Albert and the surrounding area have more of a voice than they have had in the past. Other concerns I have are much needed repairs on municipal streets, upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure, and modernization and enforcement of municipal by-laws.
There needs to be a stronger Recreation Council for our local Riverside-Albert Recreation Centre and renewed outreach for volunteers and resources for our fire departments. We need upgrades to our local seniors complex. I would like to explore the possibility of apartments and/or increased housing for our area.
I believe it is important we work to improve circumstances for our seasonal workers. Council needs to increase communication with our Member of Parliament and the federal government that recently increased the number of hours to qualify for Employment Insurance Eligibility to 525 hours from 420 for our area. This is a huge challenge for our seasonal workers. As well, year-round job creation must be an essential discussion following the election. In conclusion, I would appreciate your support on November 28th; if elected, I will do my best for the constituents in our area.
My name is Margaret Bogle Hicks. I’ve lived in Riverside-Albert for over 10 years and in Albert County for almost my whole life. I love this area. It’s a great place to call home and many residents are like my family.
The reason that I’m offering in this election is that I’d like to see the working class from Riverside-Albert and the surrounding area have more of a voice than they have had in the past. Other concerns I have are much needed repairs on municipal streets, upgrades to water and sewer infrastructure, and modernization and enforcement of municipal by-laws.
There needs to be a stronger Recreation Council for our local Riverside-Albert Recreation Centre and renewed outreach for volunteers and resources for our fire departments. We need upgrades to our local seniors complex. I would like to explore the possibility of apartments and/or increased housing for our area.
I believe it is important we work to improve circumstances for our seasonal workers. Council needs to increase communication with our Member of Parliament and the federal government that recently increased the number of hours to qualify for Employment Insurance Eligibility to 525 hours from 420 for our area. This is a huge challenge for our seasonal workers. As well, year-round job creation must be an essential discussion following the election. In conclusion, I would appreciate your support on November 28th; if elected, I will do my best for the constituents in our area.

Matthew Dick
I look forward to meeting with the residents of Ward 2, Fundy Albert, to discuss their ideas and concerns on how I can best represent the interests of not only Ward 2, but also the wider community of Fundy Albert.
My partner, Janet, and I moved to Hopewell Cape last spring and are both very happy to be living in such a beautiful part of the province. I have lived most of my life in New Brunswick apart from a few years in Nova Scotia for school and a stint in the oil patches in Alberta and Saskatchewan. I am a Geomatics Technologist by trade (Surveyor) and currently work with my brother who has a surveying company, Spade Geomatics, in Halifax. I work mostly from home, so I spend most of my time right here in Albert County. Prior to getting on board with Spade, I spent five years working with the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development in Fredericton surveying Crown Land throughout the province. I did a lot of jobs in the County and am therefore quite familiar with all the nooks and crannies of Fundy Albert. The best county in NB, if you ask me. Prior to that I spent a few years out west working in oil and gas. I have also recently been voted to the Board of Directors of the Albert County Museum, and my partner, Janet, has started Duck and Dog Ceramics, a pottery studio operating in our converted garage.
I plan on staying in Hopewell Cape for the long term and am happy to be putting down some roots. My main interest in becoming a councillor for Ward 2 is to give back to the community as much as I can. With the recent municipal reform being pushed through, I know people have many concerns around taxation and services. If elected councillor, my goal will be to communicate with my constituents around issues of concern and represent their interests as much as possible. I don’t have all the answers, but I know there are strong opinions on how things should be done. I wish to represent the interests of those living in Ward 2, and vow to be transparent every step of the way. No one will be left in the dark.
I think there is a real opportunity here in Ward 2 to finally have some form of democratic representation on a local level. This should allow for our voices to be heard in the government offices in Fredericton. When push comes to shove, I will stand firm in protecting the interests of my community.
I look forward to canvassing in the next few weeks and plan on knocking on as many doors as I can. Like I said, I don’t have all the answers, but I’m sure that by reaching out to those in Ward 2, I will succeed in determining what the priorities are for residents here in Fundy Albert so I am best prepared to be your voice in government.
I look forward to meeting with the residents of Ward 2, Fundy Albert, to discuss their ideas and concerns on how I can best represent the interests of not only Ward 2, but also the wider community of Fundy Albert.
My partner, Janet, and I moved to Hopewell Cape last spring and are both very happy to be living in such a beautiful part of the province. I have lived most of my life in New Brunswick apart from a few years in Nova Scotia for school and a stint in the oil patches in Alberta and Saskatchewan. I am a Geomatics Technologist by trade (Surveyor) and currently work with my brother who has a surveying company, Spade Geomatics, in Halifax. I work mostly from home, so I spend most of my time right here in Albert County. Prior to getting on board with Spade, I spent five years working with the Department of Natural Resources and Energy Development in Fredericton surveying Crown Land throughout the province. I did a lot of jobs in the County and am therefore quite familiar with all the nooks and crannies of Fundy Albert. The best county in NB, if you ask me. Prior to that I spent a few years out west working in oil and gas. I have also recently been voted to the Board of Directors of the Albert County Museum, and my partner, Janet, has started Duck and Dog Ceramics, a pottery studio operating in our converted garage.
I plan on staying in Hopewell Cape for the long term and am happy to be putting down some roots. My main interest in becoming a councillor for Ward 2 is to give back to the community as much as I can. With the recent municipal reform being pushed through, I know people have many concerns around taxation and services. If elected councillor, my goal will be to communicate with my constituents around issues of concern and represent their interests as much as possible. I don’t have all the answers, but I know there are strong opinions on how things should be done. I wish to represent the interests of those living in Ward 2, and vow to be transparent every step of the way. No one will be left in the dark.
I think there is a real opportunity here in Ward 2 to finally have some form of democratic representation on a local level. This should allow for our voices to be heard in the government offices in Fredericton. When push comes to shove, I will stand firm in protecting the interests of my community.
I look forward to canvassing in the next few weeks and plan on knocking on as many doors as I can. Like I said, I don’t have all the answers, but I’m sure that by reaching out to those in Ward 2, I will succeed in determining what the priorities are for residents here in Fundy Albert so I am best prepared to be your voice in government.
Loretta Elderkin
I have submitted my name for Councillor in Ward 2 for Fundy Albert. I grew up in Cape Enrage, and currently reside in Riverside-Albert where we raised our children. I currently hold a full-time position of HR Advisor/Business Administrator within a The Salvation Army Ministry Unit.
Within our family we have attended all the schools that have and do exist within the local area Alma Consolidated, Riverside Consolidated and Caledonia Regional. Raising our children, I supported the education system in various ways and volunteered with multiple sports programs, and initiatives that they were involved in.
Having been a part of this community, I have come to recognize that change happens. It is important to be a part of the process, stay involved, and continue to have open communication with others. These qualities have been tried and tested, having served as a Councillor in Riverside-Albert, and on boards within our community.
This endeavor will be a challenging one, if elected I will take this position seriously, continue to learn, work hard, and be your voice at the table with all the changes that lie ahead. I believe we live in the one of most beautiful spots within the Province of New Brunswick and I hope to be part of the process to see it continue to grow and prosper while working collaboratively and respectably with our Mayor and fellow councillors.
I have submitted my name for Councillor in Ward 2 for Fundy Albert. I grew up in Cape Enrage, and currently reside in Riverside-Albert where we raised our children. I currently hold a full-time position of HR Advisor/Business Administrator within a The Salvation Army Ministry Unit.
Within our family we have attended all the schools that have and do exist within the local area Alma Consolidated, Riverside Consolidated and Caledonia Regional. Raising our children, I supported the education system in various ways and volunteered with multiple sports programs, and initiatives that they were involved in.
Having been a part of this community, I have come to recognize that change happens. It is important to be a part of the process, stay involved, and continue to have open communication with others. These qualities have been tried and tested, having served as a Councillor in Riverside-Albert, and on boards within our community.
This endeavor will be a challenging one, if elected I will take this position seriously, continue to learn, work hard, and be your voice at the table with all the changes that lie ahead. I believe we live in the one of most beautiful spots within the Province of New Brunswick and I hope to be part of the process to see it continue to grow and prosper while working collaboratively and respectably with our Mayor and fellow councillors.
There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about
Margaret J. Wheetley

Jason Horsman
My name is Jason V. Horsman, the son of David and Helen. I am proud to be from a family of lifetime residents of Albert County having lived in what will now be Fundy Albert for my entire life, and I have no desire to live anywhere else. I have had the opportunity to see the vast majority of Canada and the USA and it is my humble opinion that our small slice is the best place to be. Don't get me wrong, it may not be perfect. Education, access to health care and infrastructure maintenance, to name only a few items, could be better; however, we are by no means alone in this and, with strong, responsible representatives in local government, these are all things we can and should improve over time.
It is no secret that Fundy Albert is a leader in the New Brunswick tourist industry largely because of our geography, but equally because of the passionate and committed individuals who run the businesses, promote them and lobby the government on their behalf. I believe that with some work (nothing worth doing is easy) we can build on this by working with the federal and provincial governments to improve roads and other infrastructure. In addition, we have only begun to explore the winter tourism opportunities in the area.
As for education, I believe we have great people who do as much as they can with what resources the province allows them. I hear time and time again that it is not enough and I could not agree more.
Now to health care. That to me is easy as it is almost non-existent. The level of service is unacceptable to me - daytime ambulance service only (unacceptable), current funding for nursing homes (joke), closing hospitals and cutting staff (really), all while the residents are getting older.
Now let's not get started on infrastructure as that could go on forever.
Although these are a few of my thoughts on challenges we face here, they are by no means complete and I firmly believe in listening to others and their concerns because in a proper democracy it is the people who have the power and should be driving the ship, so to speak. The elected officials are there to be the voice of the people, not the ruler of the people, and it would be my pleasure to give the people back their voice.
I was born and raised here in Albert County, son, husband, father, farmer and business owner. I have sat on the board of directors for Curryville Community Center and am a member of the NB Farm Alliance. Through my work at the City of Moncton I have gained valuable skills in negotiating and communicating as Grievance Chair and Vice-President of the union within CUPE. I’ve learned some of how government works in dealing with management andl the mayor and council. However, even with all this said, at 50 years old, if there is one thing I have learned, it is how much I still have to learn. It would be an honor for me to be allowed to represent the residents of Ward 2 on this new council.
My name is Jason V. Horsman, the son of David and Helen. I am proud to be from a family of lifetime residents of Albert County having lived in what will now be Fundy Albert for my entire life, and I have no desire to live anywhere else. I have had the opportunity to see the vast majority of Canada and the USA and it is my humble opinion that our small slice is the best place to be. Don't get me wrong, it may not be perfect. Education, access to health care and infrastructure maintenance, to name only a few items, could be better; however, we are by no means alone in this and, with strong, responsible representatives in local government, these are all things we can and should improve over time.
It is no secret that Fundy Albert is a leader in the New Brunswick tourist industry largely because of our geography, but equally because of the passionate and committed individuals who run the businesses, promote them and lobby the government on their behalf. I believe that with some work (nothing worth doing is easy) we can build on this by working with the federal and provincial governments to improve roads and other infrastructure. In addition, we have only begun to explore the winter tourism opportunities in the area.
As for education, I believe we have great people who do as much as they can with what resources the province allows them. I hear time and time again that it is not enough and I could not agree more.
Now to health care. That to me is easy as it is almost non-existent. The level of service is unacceptable to me - daytime ambulance service only (unacceptable), current funding for nursing homes (joke), closing hospitals and cutting staff (really), all while the residents are getting older.
Now let's not get started on infrastructure as that could go on forever.
Although these are a few of my thoughts on challenges we face here, they are by no means complete and I firmly believe in listening to others and their concerns because in a proper democracy it is the people who have the power and should be driving the ship, so to speak. The elected officials are there to be the voice of the people, not the ruler of the people, and it would be my pleasure to give the people back their voice.
I was born and raised here in Albert County, son, husband, father, farmer and business owner. I have sat on the board of directors for Curryville Community Center and am a member of the NB Farm Alliance. Through my work at the City of Moncton I have gained valuable skills in negotiating and communicating as Grievance Chair and Vice-President of the union within CUPE. I’ve learned some of how government works in dealing with management andl the mayor and council. However, even with all this said, at 50 years old, if there is one thing I have learned, it is how much I still have to learn. It would be an honor for me to be allowed to represent the residents of Ward 2 on this new council.
Hartley O’Connor
My name is Hartley O'Connor and I'm running for Ward 2. I grew up just up the road from where my wife, Peggy, and I have lived in Hopewell Cape since 1988. I've worked at many different jobs in the trades as well as in management and the office.
There are many reasons why I'd like to represent you in this riding, but mostly because it seems we finally have a voice that covers not only the people in the three villages, but also the people in between. I believe we’re sometimes in the dark about what is happening politically in our rural communities by hearing it only second hand through social media or the rumor mill. We now have a chance to elect someone in each area who can pay attention and inform, as well as listen to, our neighbors. I’d like the opportunity to be that person.
We also have children and grandchildren who we hope will be able to spend their life in this community if they chose. I’d like to see them spend their life and recreation time here as they choose to as well, whether their interests be in farming, fishing, hunting or just enjoying time in the woods on an ATV, snowmobile or simply birdwatching or foraging for mushrooms. We need to protect all those rights that some of us have been lucky enough to enjoy for most of our lives. It seems that unless we soon get together and seriously plan how to sustain our communities, we will watch our families continue to leave to find employment and even affordable housing.
If you trust me enough to elect me, I promise not only to pay attention to what is happening, but also to inform you to the best of my knowledge and to always protect our way of life as a rural community.
My name is Hartley O'Connor and I'm running for Ward 2. I grew up just up the road from where my wife, Peggy, and I have lived in Hopewell Cape since 1988. I've worked at many different jobs in the trades as well as in management and the office.
There are many reasons why I'd like to represent you in this riding, but mostly because it seems we finally have a voice that covers not only the people in the three villages, but also the people in between. I believe we’re sometimes in the dark about what is happening politically in our rural communities by hearing it only second hand through social media or the rumor mill. We now have a chance to elect someone in each area who can pay attention and inform, as well as listen to, our neighbors. I’d like the opportunity to be that person.
We also have children and grandchildren who we hope will be able to spend their life in this community if they chose. I’d like to see them spend their life and recreation time here as they choose to as well, whether their interests be in farming, fishing, hunting or just enjoying time in the woods on an ATV, snowmobile or simply birdwatching or foraging for mushrooms. We need to protect all those rights that some of us have been lucky enough to enjoy for most of our lives. It seems that unless we soon get together and seriously plan how to sustain our communities, we will watch our families continue to leave to find employment and even affordable housing.
If you trust me enough to elect me, I promise not only to pay attention to what is happening, but also to inform you to the best of my knowledge and to always protect our way of life as a rural community.
Jared Allen Parsons
Jared could not be reached for an article.
Jared could not be reached for an article.