Meet the Candidates

Welcome to your online destination to Meet the Candidates!

The Town of Bridgewater is pleased to share information on the nine candidates running for Bridgewater Town Council seats in the 2024 Nova Scotia Municipal Election. 

Each candidate was invited to submit a write-up of up to 250 words, one weblink, and a photo of themselves to share on this page with the community. 

Candidates are listed in alphabetical order by last name, as they will appear on the ballot.

Written content has been posted as it was received and without editing. Photos have been cropped to the same dimension for each candidate.

Candidate information that has been received was posted beginning on September 23, 2024. If a candidate's write-up, image, or weblink does not appear here, that is because the item was not submitted.

David Carter
David Carter graduated from New Germany Rural High School in 1974 and, after training at the CRXL Radio School in Halifax, began his broadcasting career at CKBW Radio in April 1976.   

During his time in the radio station's news department, he covered the courts and all the municipal councils in Lunenburg and Queens Counties; police and fire services; municipal, provincial and federal elections and politics; as well as everyone from business people to brain surgeons and from volunteer workers to farmers, fishers and trades people.    He is also a former member of the Black Journalists Association of Nova Scotia.   

After serving CKBW for ten years, he attended university, acquiring a Bachelor of Arts in Classics from the University of Kings College in Halifax, a Bachelor of Education in English and Drama from the University of Toronto and a Master of Religion degree from the University of Toronto.  

David Carter began teaching in Queens and Lunenburg Counties in 1999.   He taught for four years in Hong Kong from 2001 to 2005 and later served as the head teacher at the Verge House in Bridgewater during the 2015-2016 school year.   

Among other activities, he served for four years working closely with judges, police and other officials in Lunenburg and Queens Counties as a Justice of the Peace.   

David Carter also serves the area as a priest of the Liberal Catholic Church in Canada.  

He plans to continue to work in the area as a substitute teacher while serving Bridgewater as a councillor.

Stacey Colwell
It’s been a privilege representing town residents at the council table over the past four years. I’m re-offering because I want to see this town thrive and want to continue to work to make that happen.

Bridgewater means the world to me. I grew up here with my mother, Cheryl Cooper, and siblings Narah and Tyler. My wife, Melanie, has been a veterinarian in town for 25 years, and we have two children, Ella and Luke.

I see my work on council as an extension of my former career as a journalist, when I extensively reported on the issues that matter to our community. That training also helps me focus on asking questions, getting the facts and seeing the whole story.

I’m committed to serving with integrity, listen and be responsive, make informed and thoughtful decisions, be fiscally responsible with taxpayer money, and always put town interests as my top priority.

During this term, council has ushered in a generational period of growth, established an environment for attainable housing, maintained its role as a municipal leader in sustainability, focused on quality of life for its residents, and become a more inclusive and diverse community.

I’m proud of council’s accomplishments and direction for the future, but there is still much to do, so my goal over the next few weeks is to hear from you and your priorities to make Bridgewater an even better place to live, work and play.

Thank you for your support.

Our town, your voice.

Weblink: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564202848627

Mike Conklin
My name is Mike Conklin. I have lived, worked and volunteered in Bridgewater for 30 years. I am married to Patti (Oickle) Conklin, who has taught at Bridgewater Elementary School for over 20 years. Together we raised our children, Chloe and Connor, in this great community because it is a safe town with friendly people, excellent schools, many health care services and other amenities.

I have gained extensive business and leadership experience working in various levels of the financial services industry and running my own business. I volunteered with the Chamber of Commerce and Big Brothers. I coached hockey in Bridgewater for 15 years, I was president of the South Shore Minor Hockey Association for 8 years and I am currently the president of the South Shore Mustangs for the past 5 years.

I have thoroughly enjoyed being a Town Councillor for the past 4 years. I have gained much knowledge and experience from participating in council meetings, and from serving on the Bridgewater Police Commission, Public Service Commission & the Municipal Joint Services Board. I will continue to work hard for you, listen to you, and represent you as a Councillor for our beautiful town of Bridgewater.

Thank you for your support in my re-election campaign!

Cheryl Fougere
“Committed to working for our community”

For the past 27 years, my family and I have proudly called Bridgewater our home. Over these years, I've been deeply involved in leading various community organizations, and eight years ago, I had the honour of beginning my journey as your representative on Town Council with the last two years serving as your Deputy Mayor.

Bridgewater is flourishing, and I am dedicated to sustaining and enhancing the positive momentum we've built together. I value open communication ensuring that your ideas and concerns are confidently represented at Council. 

I will continue to serve with integrity, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and transparency. I am passionate about our town and optimistic about its future growth and opportunities.

HOUSING -To partner with all levels of government and stakeholders to actively pursue solutions that address the full spectrum of housing needs in our community.

EXIT 12A - To drive forward discussions and collaborate with staff on the development of businesses and residential areas across 125 acres of Town land.  TOWN INFRASTRUCTURE - To further the planning and collaboration with staff in the implementation of essential wastewater and stormwater upgrades.

As a representative of Council, I share my voice - your voice. I look forward t the opportunity to continue this work on your behalf.  On Oct 19th, I kindly ask for your support.

Donette Getson
Hi! My name is Donette Getson and I am honoured to introduce myself as a candidate for Bridgewater’s Town Council. Many people may remember me as Donette Hubley. Having been a proud member of this community for 55 years, I have witnessed firsthand the unique strengths that make our town special, as well as the challenges we face. I have had the privilege of being born and raised in this town, where I have also built my career and raised my family.

I believe that strong, responsive leadership is essential to ensuring that our town continues to grow and thrive. My vision is built on transparency, collaboration, and a deep commitment to addressing the needs of all residents. Whether it’s improving infrastructure, supporting local businesses, enhancing public services, or protecting our environment, I am ready to work tirelessly for the betterment of Bridgewater. 

I bring with me years of volunteering on community boards, working for local non profits associations, experience as a small business owner, and a deep love of our town that I believe will be valuable in representing you on the Town Council. More importantly, I am committed to listening to your concerns and ideas, and ensuring that every voice in our town is heard.

Together, we can build a future that reflects the values we share as a community, and I look forward to earning your support in this election.

Weblink: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565666016683&mibextid=LQQJ4d

Jennifer McDonald
My name is Jennifer McDonald. I’m re-offering for Bridgewater Town Council and hope that you will support me with your vote on October 19th.

Having grown up in Bridgewater and then raising my three children here has allowed me to see the town evolve. A lot has changed during the years that I've had the privilege of serving you and experience will be important moving forward.

The past four years have presented Bridgewater with dramatic and rapid changes. A pandemic, housing crisis, unprecedented growth and increased cost of living have altered the landscape and priorities of our community. Knowing where we’ve come from and having a strong vision of what we’re striving for will be important when protecting your quality of life and while navigating the challenges of growth together.

Your priorities are important to me, please reach out and share your thoughts.

Phone / text: 902-523-5172

email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Weblink: https://www.facebook.com/p/Jennifer-McDonald-Bridgewater-Town-Council-100064620167111/

Jane Morrell
Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself.

I’m Jane Morrell, a proud mother of two and a Bridgewater resident since 2012. We landed in rural NS in 2007 from the west. By 2008 I was the single parent of two toddlers. In those early years, I found community by volunteering at both New Germany’s Teen Place and the South Shore Public Library in downtown Bridgewater.

Planning committee involvement for the Growing Green Festival was my first opportunity to collaborate with staff at the Town Office. Later, I joined the public consultation for the Bridgewater Downtown and Waterfront Master Plan (2013) that birthed Pijinuiskaq Park.

As a citizen, I’ve delivered presentations to councils across Nova Scotia as a voice for ocean protection. Most recently, I challenged TOB Council at the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, appealing the approval of the seven storey development project for the old tavern on King Street.

Professionally, I’m an office administrator; a career that spans the financial, recreation and electoral politics sectors. Personally, I’m an advocated for my child with significant special needs. These roles have given me a suite of skills that enable me to build bridges between people and services. Most recently, my passion is teaching the meditation practice I’ve studied for 27 years. I was keen to start working at a young age: my first job at 13 was in the family business.

Thank you for your interest. Please feel free to contact me. I’m interested to hear your story.

Braden Newell
Hello! My name is Braden Newell. Thank you so much for taking an interest in municipal politics.

My background is in technology education where I’ve made a career making technology easier to understand. I’ve developed a talent for taking complex technical topics and translating them into similar speak. For my day job, I create learning experiences and certification courses for IT professionals looking to learn more about cybersecurity. Recently, I began teaching Business Technology Management at Acadia University, along with writing about Apple for pocket-lint.com. 

I grew up in Bridgewater, attended Park View, worked at the Bridgewater Mall, and now, own a house in our lovely town. After highschool I obtained a Bachelor of Commerce in computing and information systems from Saint Mary’s University and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Fredericton, concentrating in Technology Innovation.

Outside of work, you can often find me engaged with the community. I serve on the board of directors for Junior Achievement of Nova Scotia and on the School Advisory Council for PVEC. When I’m not working or volunteering, you can find me staying active and enjoying time with my three dogs, Sniper, Simba, and Honey.

I’m young, I’m passionate, and I love this town. I hope to share my dedication and experience with you by serving on our Town Council. Together, we can overcome the most significant challenges in our communities while continuing to support our growing town. Bridgewater will continue to grow, bigger and better. 

Weblink: https://www.votenewell.ca/

Eric Whynot
I am Eric Whynot, and I am honoured to announce my candidacy for Town Council. Having lived in our beloved community my entire life, I am deeply committed to its growth and prosperity. As a proud graduate of Park View Education Centre (Class of '96), I have seen firsthand the potential and resilience of our town.

My professional journey began in the automotive industry in 2000, where I spent nine years as a Sales Consultant and Sales/Business Manager. In 2009, I transitioned to CKBW as a Marketing Consultant and have since grown with Acadia Broadcasting, serving as the Regional Station Manager for our rural Nova Scotia stations.

Beyond my professional endeavors, I have always been passionate about giving back to our community. Growing up, I was actively involved in sports and have dedicated countless hours volunteering as a coach. In 2016, I was asked to join the Board of the Health Services Foundation of the South Shore. During my eight years, I served as Vice Chair, Chair, and Past Chair, contributing to significant projects like the MIS operating room and the Capital Campaign for redeveloping South Shore Regional Hospital, including a much-needed MRI.

It takes a team to make great things happen. As your representative, I will bring a modern voice to Council, ensuring that our town continues its growth while listening to our citizens' concerns. Together, we can build a brighter future for our historic town.

On October 19th, vote for Eric Whynot. Let’s make our community stronger, together.

Weblink: www.ericwhynot.ca