MLA's achievements, contributions celebrated
Friends, family and neighbours gather for Goshen event
GOSHEN - Friends, family and neighbours of Guysborough-Sheet Harbour MLA Ron Chisholm are proud of his achievements and grateful for his contribution to his community and the riding, and on Saturday afternoon they filled the Goshen Community Centre to tell him so.
More than 100 people, including municipal leaders from around the region, let Chisholm know they're proud of his recent appointment as minister of agriculture and minister of fisheries in Premier Rodney MacDonald's provincial cabinet and his long history of volunteer work in the community.
Emcee and event organizer Lewis MacIntosh introduced Chisholm as a "grassroots politician," someone with "the common touch." He praised the minister's contribution to the Goshen area over the years, including his volunteer work in coaching ball, leading Scouts and being part of the volunteer fire department.
Former Eastern Shore MLA and cabinet minister Tom MacInnis said there is "absolutely a great debt owed to Ronnie for all his community service." Calling him "a model of what a politician should be," MacInnis said Chisholm has accomplished a great deal in the past six years as MLA, and caucus members speak highly of his work in provincial politics.
"I hope and pray that you continue to do exactly as you've always done."
St. Mary's warden David Clark said, "One thing I really appreciate about Ronnie…well it seems difficult for partisan politicians to make a commitment to live in the riding that they represent. Ronnie, I want to thank you for living in the riding that you represent."
Antigonish County warden Herb Delorey described Chisholm, who was born and raised in Heatherton, as "a great friend of Antigonish County," adding, "Guysborough County's gain was Antigonish County's loss, and I'm going to blame Alberta (Chisholm's wife) for that.
"It doesn't matter what political affiliation you have," Delorey continued, "you have to have great respect for Ronnie."
District of Guysborough councillor Myles MacPherson praised Chisholm's work with the municipality. "Certainly, Ronnie, you have been there for us over the past five or six years and helped us get certain pieces of infrastructure in the municipality." MacPherson said he doubts anyone has attended as many community events as Chisholm has as MLA.
In his opening remarks MacIntosh said the attendance of one guest in particular "made the day and made the event." That was long-time Progressive Conservative supporter Bob MacDonald of Indian Harbour Lake, who came out for the celebration despite his poor health.
Chisholm spoke last, conveying his appreciation and noting it was a privilege to serve as MLA. He also thanked the many people who have helped him along the way, including Antigonish MLA Angus MacIsaac and Premier Rodney MacDonald.
