Will he or won't he?
Speculation abounds on Chisholm's cabinet prospects
GUYSBOROUGH - Premier-designate Rodney MacDonald is making his list and checking it twice this week, and people in Guysborough - Sheet Harbour are wondering if their MLA is on it. This Friday MacDonald's new cabinet will be sworn in, and many feel local MLA Ronnie Chisholm could make the cut.
Guysborough warden Lloyd Hines spoke with The Journal Monday about Chisholm's cabinet prospects. "I would say that Ronnie is definitely a candidate," said Hines. "Ronnie has done his time; he's been there for six years. He certainly knows the issues in this area and I would say he can't be overlooked…I can't see how he wouldn't be a strong contender for a seat at the cabinet table, which would certainly be good for advancing the county's agenda as we move forward."
Hines noted that there are some "pretty big issues" on the table in the District of Guysborough right now, and it "helps when the people involved (on the government side) know what's going on."
Canso mayor Ray White said he thinks it makes sense for Guysborough - Sheet Harbour to have a seat at the cabinet table because of the "large geographic area and the diversity in the riding. The new premier seems to be putting an emphasis on rural areas so it's logical that this might be something he would consider."
St. Mary's warden David Clark says Chisholm is well positioned, in part because of his support for premier-designate Rodney MacDonald, starting from the beginning of MacDonald's leadership campaign.
"Ronnie, with his latest appointment as chair of the caucus, seems to have been given a little more responsibility and maybe it's time they did offer him a cabinet position," says Clark. "Ronnie certainly understands the problems we're facing in the rural municipalities and to have him in a position where he could be more effective would be a great thing for the county."
Clark also says he thinks Chisholm has the right demeanor to make a difference at the cabinet table. "I find him to be constant," he says. "He doesn't waver. He seems to be focused on most of the issues, which is a good thing. He's steady."
Hines says he feels recent political events both federally and provincially will bode well for Guysborough County, including MacDonald's victory at the Progressive Conservative leadership convention.
"I've had good exchanges with him, as warden and also as president of the Antigonish - Eastern Shore Tourism Association. He's been very responsive…we have very well established lines of communication that should work well for advancing the municipal objectives we have for the next little while."
Hines says the familiarity the new minister for ACOA, Peter MacKay, has with Guysborough County is also a "good omen." MacKay now represents the District of St. Mary's and Sheet Harbour as part of the riding of Central Nova, although he represented all of Guysborough County prior to 2004.
Sheet Harbour businessman and Chamber of Commerce member Ralph Leblanc says Ronnie is well suited to be a cabinet minister. "He's a people person," said the owner of the Fairwinds Restaurant in Sheet Harbour. In dealings with the local Chamber, Leblanc says Chisholm has been "excellent."
"He's supported every endeavour we've put forth here."
Premier-designate MacDonald and his cabinet will be sworn in at 11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 24 at the World Trade and Convention Centre in Halifax.
