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The Kings County Record sent a questionnaire to every municipal candidate in Hampton, Norton, Sussex, Sussex Corner and Petitcodiac. It asked for the following information: name, age, occupation, and in two paragraphs, state why your town or village would be a better place with you as the mayor or councillor. The results are below, with the exception of one candidate who did not return our questionnaire.

HAMPTON

Candidates for council

• Clara Ann Lights, 49, owner/operator of Sarah's Seconds, Idletime Jewelry, & Lights & Associates.

I believe the town of Hampton would be a better place if I were a councillor because of my experiences and involvement with the business community and town committees such as the Hampton Camber of Commerce and the Town of Hampton, Planning Advisory Committee.

I also care about the quality the life we choose for our small town. I would like to see more emphasis on family-oriented sports activities and more support for small business. This would add such quality to our community and for tourism.

• Adam J. Reid, 24, accountant

I've lived in Hampton all my life, I've seen Hampton grow over the past 20 years, and have a great passion for maintaining that friendly small-town atmosphere. However, there are a few areas of concern: road repair, growth problems and possibilities, keeping Hampton clean and attractive, assistance for small business growth and self-employed individuals, a regional library, property tax rates, fiscal spending, water sources and a street light at the foot of Hall Road. Most of all, I want to listen and take seriously the concerns of the residents of Hampton.

I have a young and vibrant approach to offer, always remembering to adapt to what the citizens of Hampton want for their town. I want to be able to reach out to our youth and instill a sense of love and pride for this great town, I want to reach out to parents and families to see to it that Hampton is an excellent, learning, and safe area to raise your family, and I want to reach out to our respected elderly citizens and keep them active with the core roots and deep history of Hampton. Let's work together to encourage positive growth that everyone can enjoy; let's work together to keep Hampton safe and clean; let's work together to have Hampton remain the best place to live.

• Don Smith, 56, municipal administrator

I moved to Hampton in 1988 because of its small town appeal. Since then, the town has continually grown and yet emphasis has always been placed on retaining the nature and culture of the community. I would like to represent the citizens of Hampton to ensure we take advantage of the growth opportunities but in a well balanced way. By this I mean we need to ensure the development compliments the vision created by our citizens and takes into account the need for infrastructure, emergency services, recreation, parks, environment and culture. We must consider what we enjoy today and build on that as we grow.

The town of Hampton requires strong leadership around the council table. With over 12 years in that role, I can bring that leadership to town council. We also need to involve our citizens in the development of plans for the future of our town and based upon that community input, set a course of action that will see the town grow into the vision our citizens desire. I am a firm believer in listening to the voice of the people and will offer open and honest communications links for our citizens to channel their voices to town council.

• Stephen Langille, 50, construction company manager

Over the next four years I will bring my personal qualities to the council table which will benefit our town. These qualities are a passion for Hampton's natural beauty and the enthusiasm to work with others to protect that beauty; imagination for our future; wisdom born of my experiences from being self-employed all my adult life; a love for and an appreciation of hard work; a keen listener; and the ability to make balanced decisions. I feel that by working together in Hampton, with our neighbours and other levels of government, we can continue to grow and thrive and nurture what is unique about Hampton.

• Peter Behr, 72, manager, ship construction and repair (retired)

Since I am not able to predict the future it will take time to determine whether or not my presence on Council will benefit the community of Hampton. However, I promise to listen to the concerns of Hampton's citizens, and together with my fellow council members, address and solve them in a timely manner.

• Roy Marchand, 42, conservation officer

Through 14 years of conservation work, my love of the outdoors has included teaching Cubs and other groups about conservation and survival in the elements. In a town whose motto is "It's in our Nature," I am the perfect choice for council. As with my job and my hobbies, I would tackle issues relevant to the citizens of this town with diplomacy, intelligence and in a timely manner.

My related experience within law enforcement and my duties as a husband and father have taught me the importance of focusing on an issue and dealing with it head on. Some of the key issues I would like to see brought to the forefront and dealt with are drug and alcohol abuse; a plan for new construction and zoning bylaws to take advantage of the forecasted economic boom while still maintaining our small town quality of life; ballooning property tax bills; creation and improvement of nature based activities; and the development of the town commons. Although there are other issues facing us as a community, these are the ones that I am passionate about and feel a need to change in order to make Hampton a better place to live.

• Robert (Dewey) Doucet, 48, engineering technician IV (survey technician)

I've grown up in this great town and so are my kids. I feel it's time to give back to the town by helping it to grow and prosper.

Hampton is my home and I want to take care of my home by doing what's best for those who live in it. I have no problem taking a strong stand on issues that affect the people and the town.

SUSSEX

Candidates for council

• Kevin Black, refused to give an age, self-employed businessman

I have been a councillor for the past 10 years and I chair the Works Committee, the Labour Management Committee and I am a board member for the Kings East Partnership Development. I also sit on the Kings East Solid Waste Commission and am vice chair of the Human Services Committee.

I want to use my experience to keep Sussex the wonderful town it is, but still be able to grow and prosper without comprising our safe, friendly, walking community. I also feel it is very important that as we grow, taxes must not be increased but be offset with the new growth. I would also like to see more sidewalks and the downtown riverfront beautified with benches so the public can sit and enjoy this fine asset.

• Shelley Bradley, 44, employment counsellor

During my past two terms as councilor, there have been many community issues at the forefront. Establishing a Youth Advisory Committee, as well as the Youth Citizenship Award, was a personal highlight for me and I feel a movement in the right direction to recognize and gain valuable information from members of our community who sometimes feel their input and issues fall upon unheard ears. Our community has always lacked a swimming and fitness facility and during often divisive times, I have remained committed to providing a first class facility for all.

Beautification and maintaining prosperity in our downtown core with the purchase of new Christmas lighting as well as our mural project and the revitalization of the Farmers Market have enhanced this area and I will continue to work towards our downtown remaining the heart of our community. Fostering economic growth and development while maintaining our small town image and quality of life will be a challenge I am up to.

• Stephen Campbell, 45, operations worker - NB Department of Transportation

I feel my strengths as a councillor are two-fold. First, as a resident of Sussex for more than 40 years, I think I have a good feel for the issues that most people find important.

Also, I enjoy meeting and talking with people to hear their views on the issues of the day and get their input on how situations should be dealt with. I think people like to have their concerns heard and their ideas considered in the decision making process.

• Gary Fulton, 62, lawyer

While Sussex functions well with a good municipal plan, there is an obvious potential for planning conflicts with adjacent zones. More effective linkage should be established between the Town and the Royal District Planning Commission, in fact possible merger with that body should be pursued. I would support the initiative.

Also I would like to establish a new "regional" industrial park, the purpose of which would be to prohibit uncontrolled commercial and industrial "infill" between the town and Penobsquis, a serviced park designed to protect our environment. This too should be a "collective" undertaking with all taxpayers participating. And finally I would expend whatever is necessary to obtain a secure regional water facility, preferable at some source far removed from the mine and gas fields.

Regionalism and integration should be encouraged since we all seek that which is for the common good.

• Elizabeth Stuart, 50, business manager & part-time university student

Bringing to council work experience with a town planning commission, building construction, business/finance management, school governance and nearly 27 years as mom, I would encourage a pro-active approach to see our town planning efforts accomplished to the point of having a clear vision for our future development.

I'm looking forward to the day that our community will be able to enjoy our pool/wellness centre and as I have heard from you, the voters, perhaps our rink facility as well as other sports and recreation facilities could be looked at as well. I'm a team player, sometimes a leader and capable of being a driving force to get the job done. While adding more female representation to council, I would promote strong, effective and accountable municipal government.

• Marc Thorne, 48, civil technologist

I have served on council for almost 11 years and believe that I have played a significant role in advancing our community as a desirable place to live and work. I have always endorsed, and will continue to urge future councils to lower municipal tax rates in times of robust development to partially offset increasing property assessments. For the past several years Sussex has been one of the few municipalities in the province that does more than just talk about lowering tax rates. We do it.

I believe anyone who serves on council must be completely committed to their community in every way. Citizens need to believe that elected representatives will do everything they can to secure a high standard of living for their families. They also have every right to expect that those same representatives will handle their tax dollars wisely. I never forget that.

• Tim Wilson, refused to give an age, retail store manager

My priorities: continue to enhance the quality of life in Sussex by focusing on quality recreational services for our younger and more mature residents; regional cooperation with the Village of Sussex Corner and the surrounding smaller communities; a new and modern industrial park with easy access to the four-lane highway (since our existing park is full to capacity) which could be located in Sussex, Sussex Corner or Penobsquis; an alternative fresh water; a focus on the downtown core by supporting a long term strategic study to keep the downtown growing and to maintain our heritage.

Besides the recent mural project and farmers market, a covered walking bridge and a new agricultural/military museum in Princess Louise Park would greatly enhance our downtown.

• Mark Wright, 27, sales/estimating (building materials)

I believe that Sussex would benefit from me being on council because of my age. I am the youngest member on council and with that am able to bring a fresh, young, and yet mature perspective to the table. I believe I am a politician for the people. I listen to concerns and voice them for you. I am a hands-on kind of guy, and enjoy being in a position where change can occur. Yes, letters to the editor and to your councillors are important, so keep them coming. However, we need doers in government and that is what I believe I am - doer.

If there is something that can be improved in our community, I want to know so I can help fix it. I don't jump too quickly when it comes to decisions relating to the tax payers' money. I am responsible and efficient, and these are all reasons why I believe you would benefit from me being on council.

Plebiscite question

Sussex residents will see this plebiscite question on their election ballots:

Are you in favour of the newly elected town council pursuing the possibility of amalgamating the Town of Sussex and the Village of Sussex Corner to form a new municipality during its mandate from May 2008 to May 2012?

SUSSEX CORNER

Candidates for mayor

• Eric Cunningham, 48, miner

I believe being chosen as mayor is one of the most important responsibilities and greatest honours a person could have. I would represent and promote our village with that in mind at all times. Helping our community grow without harming the way of life we are used to is what I will work toward. I believe we must cooperate with other levels of government as well as our fellow municipalities to further enhance our standard of living. This can be done successfully while maintaining our own identity.

Being close to the people and listening when they have concerns is number one to me. I will be available to discuss issues no matter what they are. I will work with council with an open mind to new ideas that will be in the best interest of us all.

• Garth P Long, 54, financial advisor

I feel that I have the experience, (12 plus years on council), the expertise, plus my other activities with the Kings East Development Partnership, Kings County Region Solid Waste Commission, Enterprise Fundy, that give me insight into our larger community.

This council will face many challenges in the day-to-day operations of the village, and the biggest concern they will have is where does this village fit in the larger community. The mayor and council have to realize the status quo may not be the best choice. They have to have the ability to look at all the options available, be able to discuss with our residents the facts, and arrive at a decision that will be of benefit to all. I feel I have those qualities.

• Peter Wiggins, 43, teacher

My goal as a candidate is to maintain the village's motto "A quiet corner in a busy world." As a candidate, I promise to maintain our well field protection zones to ensure safe drinking water and to continue to find ways to promote recycling programs. As part of my vision for Sussex Corner, I would like to encourage all citizens to be active volunteers in their community. The youth of today need good role models so they can esteem to be our leaders for tomorrow.

As mayor of Sussex Corner, I will work towards establishing partnerships with all levels of government. We are a Village of 1,400 and most people I talk to wish to keep our quiet corner the treasure it is, while at the same time keeping our tax base affordable. I maintain we can do this with the proper vision, leadership and dedication to the role of mayor.

Candidates for council

• Stephen W. Gilbert, 42, retired

Being new to Sussex Corner, I feel that I can bring a fresh perspective to council. I understand and respect the heritage and way of life Sussex Corner has to offer, but understand that change is coming and I want to be part of it.

With my experience of living in small communities that have grown quickly, I have seen the good and bad growth pains that resulted. Long term planning is a must. We need people on council who are truly involved in their communities, who will do more than take up space. I feel I have proven to the community that I am a very involved individual and hopefully worth being given the chance to be that new voice on the council.

• Steven Glenn Gillies, 38, dairy farmer, landscaper

I feel Sussex Corner is in dire need of representation from someone who has the ability to connect with, understand and represent its citizens. In looking out for their best interests, as well as assuring them that they have a voice behind closed doors, I am running for council for the people, not for any personal gain or recognition.

Sussex Corner needs a change, a good change - one for the citizens. As far as my outlook goes, I would love to see the corner take two steps forward instead of two steps back, to prosper instead of fester.

• Marjorie Hazelwood, 70, retired

I have the time and the energy to devote to the many diverse issues that arrive before council. And hopefully I will be able to help smooth the way between the public and governing bodies.

• John Mahoney, 40, Department manager, Sussex SuperStore

Never before has it been so important to have a strong voice on council in Sussex Corner to promote responsible development, economic and community growth. I have lived in Sussex Corner all my life and together we have an opportunity in Sussex Corner in this election to make a real difference.

I want to see Sussex Corner work with developers to remove the road blocks to encourage responsible development which will increase our tax base without raising taxes to enrich our lives through recreation and services. I will work hard to ensure we bring back integrity to the council in Sussex Corner with a hard working, common sense approach.

• Deacon McLaren, 61, researcher

It was Peter Wiggins' intemperate language against the office of the mayor and against the mayor himself, Garth Long, which led last fall to Long's resignation as the only recourse left to a gentleman. Since that time, Sussex Corner has become an object of derision along Main Street. I believe it would be advantageous to Sussex Corner were I to continue to bring my measured and mature discourse to the Council table after May 12, and that it would be disadvantageous to Sussex Corner were Wiggins to continue to have a role in Council affairs after May 12.

• Pat Pearson, refused to give an age, photographer

Councils generally function better when made up of a microcosm of society - female, male, younger, older, varied personal and professional backgrounds, with a variety of interests and experience. As a female self-employed photographer with a successful business in Sussex Corner, I feel that I can fill a niche that no other candidate can. While I was raised in Sussex, I have lived in a number of communities and came back here to establish my business because I believe we have one of the best small towns/villages anywhere.

With all the changes that have been occurring in the area, I see a need for more creative, progressive and forward thinking in regards to development while maintaining the close knit, family atmosphere of the community. I would like to contribute to a council which will have a positive relationship with surrounding communities while maintaining our focus and efforts towards the betterment of our own.

• Dr. Arie Ruitenberg, 78, retired geologist

As a geologist with extensive experience in ground and surface water conservation, I will continue to encourage the protection of these valuable resources. I will also maintain active co-operation with the Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee and the Royal District Planning Commission to achieve these goals.

In co-operation with landowners, I will encourage expansion of the trail system in the village. I also would like to initiate and participate in the preparation of a detailed guide of historic homes and churches in the community, which undoubtedly would attract visitors.

• Benjamin (Ben) Whalen, 34, project manager (Kennebecasis Watershed Restoration Committee)

As a long time resident of the Sussex Corner area, I feel I have a strong sense of the local people. I wish to use my social and communication skills to effectively determine the true feelings of the public. I will also provide a strong, open minded, environmental conscience to the decisions the village will face due to the recent boom in economic growth in a manner that will not curb growth but simply ensure its environmental balance and compensation.

NORTON

Candidates for council

• Dan Clark, 51, equipment operator

As a resident of Norton for the past seven years, I have a great regard for the pleasant and relaxing lifestyle enjoyed by the residents of this hard-working, scenic village. Having raised a family of three, my wife Linda and I now enjoy spending time with our family and six grandchildren. I continue to actively enjoy my participation as a volunteer fire fighter within my community.

I am offering to unite my personal abilities and business experience with the local council and citizens as they endeavor to increase the economic prosperity while maintaining the rural values of this area. I believe as a member of council, I can help identify and capitalize on a variety of opportunities available. I look forward to the prospect of serving my community as a village councillor.

• Harold Keith, 61, Retired from Dept. of Transportation

Having seven years experience on council and 35 years with the Dept. of Transportation supervising roads and construction, I feel I still have a lot to offer the village and still having contacts with DOT that benefit the village.

I still want to be part of the planning and spending of the village's portion of the gas tax money. I have enjoyed giving my contribution to our village in the past seven years and looking forward to another four years.

• Glendon Kerr, 63, retired maintenance store keeper at Saint John Regional Hospital

I have a genuine interest in the community and a desire to see the village reach its maximum potential resulting in real growth, both in housing and business.

I want to see a new look on the face of the village during the next term of office.

• Ann-Marie Snyder, 40, financial co-ordinator for Sussex and Hampton Dental Clinics

I'm very proud of living in Norton and proud of what council has accomplished over the last four years. We're at a phase where there are some exciting things that can happen in Norton and I want to see that through.

I want to continue the work I've been doing on the Kings County Region Solid Waste Commission, like cleaning up illegal dump sites, that benefit the environment.

• Theresa Teakles, 52, self-employed bookkeeper

I would like to become more active within the community by becoming involved with the initiative the existing council has already embarked upon, this being the long range plan for construction of a new municipal building to house the fire department and the possibility of an interpretation centre. I would like to see the continued upgrade of the village streets through the five year road plan. With my previous three year experience on the council and my work experience, I feel I can be an asset to council in many ways.

PETITCODIAC

Candidates for council

• Gary W. Barbour, 55, school bus driver

Our village is located at the junction of the two major highways that run through NB. It also has a rail line passing through and, as such, is a perfect location to have redistribution warehousing established. The village is also in a good place to do light manufacturing and then distributing the goods to all parts of Canada and the USA. With that idea in mind, I would work with council to market our village as a place to do business.

• Gerald (Jerry) Gogan, 64, retired

The years of experience gained from my involvement on many committees and boards has served me well as municipal councillor for the past 19 years. My commitment to use this knowledge and experience will continue to help make our community a better place to live, work and raise our children. This will continue to be my focus in this next term.

I believe it is wise to have a mixture of people with experience at the council table for continuity, as well as new people who will bring fresh ideas to help foster an atmosphere that promotes growth and development while retaining our small town values.

• John Keirstead, 41, agriculture sales rep

I have always been interested in the wellbeing of Petitcodiac as a life long resident. I would work hard as a councillor to serve and achieve new growth in our village.

There is a need to have a fresh vision and attract new business investment to the community. I would work with others to achieve that end. Petitcodiac has a lot to offer and is an excellent place to live and raise a family. If elected I would do my best to promote Petitcodiac and help it grow.

• Dick (Richard) Lamb, 61, retired plant manager and health & safety co-ordinator

Petitcodiac is a beautiful village and a great place to live. However, we need to focus on attracting more people and industry to the area. We are at the cross road of two major highways and need to take advantage of this.

• John H. Lewis, 60, owner/ manager of East Coast Printing

I have, for the last eight and one-half years, worked to do what I believe is in the best interests of Petitcodiac. Recent job losses have made it urgent that we work to create jobs and let people know about the many benefits our village has to offer. I will, if re-elected, continue to listen to all sides of an issue and try my best to serve the people of Petitcodiac well and help our community grow and prosper.

• Robert Douglas McCully, 70, self-employed

I was raised in the Petitcodiac area and I have lived in the village since 1978, so I know the village well. I think I would be able to help the village grow and become more prosperous.

• Bob McGrath, 59, automotive consultant

The day-to-day successful operation of any town or village is not a one-person show. It's a team effort and I am a team player. I have enjoyed working with my fellow councillors and village staff for the betterment of the village over the past four years.

However, we are going through some trying times in Petitcodiac lately with the closure of our principal employer and a major retail outlet. As a result, there is work being done and much more to do as a council to overcome these setbacks and I would like to continue being a part of this work if elected on May 12.

• Gerald Robinson, 42, owner/manager of Petitcodiac Super Variety

I am running for Council again because Petitcodiac is facing some difficult challenges in the future. With a major employer in the area, Fawcett's Lumber Mill, closing, our village is suffering economically. We need people on council who are prepared to help improve our area, encourage economic growth, and make sound financial decisions to keep taxes down and still provide excellent service to our citizens.

The village council of Petitcodiac has some ongoing projects which I would like see completed, like the total refurbishment of the arena. With two of our doctors getting close to retirement, I would like to make sure they will be replaced.