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Municipal Election 2018David Hinks announces Deputy Mayor run

David Hinks announces Deputy Mayor run

DAVID HINKS – COMMUNITY BUILDER NOW A CANDIDATE FOR MISSISSIPPI MILLS DEPUTY MAYOR.

There’s a new municipal role in Mississippi Mills and come election time in October voters are asked to elect David Hinks as Deputy Mayor.  “I love this community and want to give something back. I have a lot of experience to bring to this role and there’s a bigger picture that I want to be involved in. I’ve seen a lot of divisive behaviour in our community and can help to bring people together, find common cause and contribute to making, and keeping, Mississippi Mills as a fabulous place to live.”

The bigger picture is what David is well suited for. As Deputy Mayor, David will leverage his farming roots, his master’s degree in economics, his domestic and international experience of negotiation, planning and community building to fulfill his commitment to the people of Mississippi Mills and Lanark County.

Seven years ago, David chose Mississippi Mills as a place to grow.  It answers to his love for a community with connections to the land and food security, that encourages innovation and supports existing businesses, and welcomes newcomers while building on those present. You likely know him through his regular community columns in the Millstone and the Humm; or maybe through his work in Mississippi Mills serving on the Economic Development and Beautification committees; as an active board member in support of marginalized communities serviced by the Lanark County Food Bank; as an educator and speaker as a Master Gardener; or through community garden projects. But his story is so much more.

Raised on a dairy farm in south-western Ontario, David began a lifelong passion for the land and a solid work ethic which underscored his professional and personal life.  Intense study at the University of Waterloo resulted in a master’s degree in economics laying the foundation for 35 years of working primarily in the federal public service as an economist and senior policy advisor.

David’s policy and negotiating skills have been applied both in Canada and abroad, always working in collaboration to find ways forward and ultimately being recognized for the strength of his contributions.  As a Senior Policy Advisor in Transport Canada he was responsible for the implementation and administration of management contracts with the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation, including approval of an annual $30 million capital budget; working with U.S. counterparts to ensure a bi-national coordination of the Seaway; and post-retirement, working closely with Chinese officials in a study of economic development in the Yangtze River corridor. His interpersonal skills and ability to work with diverse groups supported him in this process and will continue in the municipal work ahead.

David’s commitment, knowledge and applied work ethic was recognized early when he was awarded a Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in recognition of his significant contribution to the development of Canadian policy. He has been honoured by his professional peers with the title of Fellow to the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transportation and represented Canada in this international institute at conferences in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. In April this year the Ontario Horticultural Society awarded him their District Service Award.

David never lost touch with his early farming roots and continued to support community gardening initiatives while working full time. Eventually, with additional study through the University of Guelph, he became a Master Gardener in 2002 and served as the Executive Coordinator of the Master Gardeners of Ottawa-Carleton during 2013 and 2014. Now an active member with the Lanark County Master Gardeners his skills have motivated many here in Mississippi Mills, and elsewhere in Lanark County, to learn the applied skills of growing food, sharing the bounty and planning.

In his role on the board of the Lanark County Food Bank – the Hunger Stop – he is a member of a team serving Mississippi Mills, Carleton Place, Beckwith and surrounding areas that ensures funds are raised and people are engaged so that communities are without hunger. A keen supporter of initiatives like the Men’s Shed movement and the Mississippi Valley Field Naturalists, David is always on hand to help facilitate progressive change to benefit the larger community. With Mills Community Support, David is a member of the Neighbourhood Tomato Community Gardens project and active in strategic planning for, and putting in place, community gardens.

The new position of Deputy Mayor in Mississippi Mills will support the Mayor and council at the municipal and county level. David’s proven leadership skills in negotiating and mediating on diverse issues will help to build consensus. “It’s a balancing act that I’m ready to engage in with the mayor, fellow councillors, and the county”, says David.  The role requires an ability to work as part of a dynamic team in support of a broad range of issues impacting the community of Mississippi Mills and on the Council of the County of Lanark.  It requires an ability to understand the breadth of issues we face in Mississippi Mills, an ability to articulate them and to work with colleagues to find solutions in the best interests of all residents. It means stepping in to support and represent the mayor when needed and to add a voice as a councillor to the challenges ahead.

David Hinks is your best candidate for Mississippi Mills Deputy Mayor and brings a wide range of domestic and international experience to our community.  Grow with David to form a stronger, engaged council working for us all, at all levels. Vote to bring David to the council table.

To interview David Hinks, to request participation in a local event, or for more information, please get in touch with – hinks.david@rogers.com

 

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