KJIPUKTUK (Halifax), NS – Jen Powley has declared her candidacy for the upcoming HRM municipal election in District 7, Halifax South Downtown.
“I have been watching council since 2009 and I don’t see the tough decisions being made. The people at the bottom should not have to bear the brunt of the problems and be left without solutions. I have the education and experience to make tough decisions. As a woman, and as a person who is not able-bodied, I bring a different perspective to the table. I will have to do things differently—but that’s one of my numerous abilities!”
Powley is a planner, author and activist who has called District 7 her home for the last 20 years. She is a long-time advocate for accessibility, newcomers to Canada, and an ally for 2SLGBTQI+ folks.
Jen’s education makes her unique and gives her the skills to make important and necessary decisions for HRM – a BA in Social Sciences from a university college in Edmonton, a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of King’s College, a Master’s of Planning from Dalhousie, and a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Nonfiction, also from King’s.
Professionally Powley has worked as provincial coordinator for the Nova Scotia League for Equal Opportunities, and a staff member on various accessibility issues. As Ecology Action Centre’s Sustainable Transportation Coordinator Jen’s work focused on integrated transportation, modal shift and accessibility. In that role Powley conceived of and became founding coordinator of Our HRM Alliance, an umbrella group which grew to include forty-nine community groups, including business interests still working today to improve liveability in HRM.
Powley is also a co-founder of No More Warehousing, former president of the Rainbow Refugee Association of Nova Scotia, and board member for Open Harbour and JRG Society for the Arts. Powley is also an experienced member of various standing committees, including the district’s Planning Advisory Committee, Pride Accessibility Committee, and Independence Now Nova Scotia.
Powley has been endorsed by a variety of Halifax citizens including Alex McLean (Zuppa Theatre), Christine Saulnier (Public Policy Advocate), Lynn Jones (Civil/Human Rights Activist), John Wesley Chisholm (Arcadia Entertainment), Alexandra Dobrowolsky (Political Science Professor,SMU), Beverly Rack (Fernwood Publishing), Gerry Post (former ED Accessibility Directorate, NS Dept of Justice), Mark Butler (former policy director, Ecology Action Centre) and Charmaine Dymond (Co-chair, OHRA).
All who know Powley believe she is the right person for the job she has set her sights on “I have known Jen for over 10 years. She is smart and funny. She is just what this Council needs. She has a record as a solid community activist. I would trust Jen to do the right thing.” Howard Epstein, former Municipal Councillor (District 14) and five-time Member of Legislative Assembly (Halifax Chebucto).
Powley has developed an extensive and thoughtful platform with the vision needed for these times. If elected Jen commits to improve affordable housing increase green space, act to reduce Greenhouse Gas emissions, work towards fair taxation, support arts funding, and bring traditionally marginalized communities into the mainstream Powley will consult with constituents on a regular basis—starting on Sunday, Sept 20th please join Jen at her “office hour” from 10:00-11:00 via https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84279600186
For more on Powley’s platform, endorsements and an introductory video go to powleyfordistrict7.ca.
It’s time. HRM needs a better council. Vote for a better council. Vote Jen.
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Contact: Campaign Manager, Murphy DaRocha
info@powleyfordistrict7.ca
Twitter: @JenPowley
Facebook: @PowleyForDistrict7
Instagram: @PowleyForDistrict7
