HRM's longest-serving councillor won't reoffer in fall election

Cole Harbour's Harry McInroy is the longest-serving councillor in HRM. This past week he announced that he won't be reoffering in this October's municipal election.

It will be the first time since 1981 that McInroy's name has not appeared on a ballot. He leaves behind a career that includes the past 12 years on regional council and 15 years service on Halifax County council.

The Dartmouth-Cole Harbour Weekly News sat down with McInroy as he looked back upon his public career in Cole Harbour.

Q. Why did you decide to not reoffer in the fall?

A. I'll be focusing on other public service and business opportunities and spending more time with family.

Q. What had you hoped to accomplish in your years of public service?

A. From the outset, my only objective was to be involved in the life of Cole Harbour and have a positive impact on municipal decisions that affected my community.

Q. What event or issue that you have been involved with stands out most in your mind?

A. Just scratching the surface, I would note Cole Harbour Place, and all it has played host to; the community council concept and the MetroLink express transit.

Q. What are your proudest moments as a councillor?

A. Moments associated with the items I just listed. I proposed MetroLink's "Think Link" slogan. Also, several public events during my time as deputy warden of Halifax County and as deputy mayor of Halifax.

Q. Most difficult decision?

A. There were a few public hearing decisions that were "close calls" for me, but nothing stands out as most difficult.

Q. Where would you like to see Cole Harbour in 10 years?

A. Cole Harbour will not grow much over the next 10 years, but I would like to see it become more enriched with community events and improved appearance. We have made some good progress with the mobile signs, and hopefully we will soon see our new welcome signs, but more street scape enhancements would be good.

Q. What do you think will be the biggest challenge for your successor?

A. That will not likely change. Constant, effective communication with a multitude of stakeholders.

Q. What will you miss most about being councillor? And what will you not miss at all?

A. Interaction with many people on a multitude of issues is what I will miss. The long, drawn out repetitive meetings are what I will not miss.

Q. Personal thanks to anyone?

A. My wife Noreen and children, Jenny, Becky and Robb. They have all sacrificed along the way while I have been representing our community.

joanneoostveen@accesswave.ca