Gil Leclerc

Bloomfield/Hallowell Ward Two

Gil Leclerc is setting his sights on a seat at the horseshoe this October. Leclerc admits that he was somewhat reluctant about running.

“Dedicating oneself to the community in that way and putting yourself out there to deal with the issues facing the County is a pretty selfless and thankless job. But that is what our public servants do every day and night. I have never been one to back down from an issue or a concern if I thought I could help,” says Leclerc.

Gil Leclerc is no stranger to being involved in the community. Leclerc was once the president of the Prince Edward Chamber of Commerce and is also former vicechair of the Economic Development Commission. Leclerc is also co-owner of Green Gables in Bloomfield.

For concerns facing the County, Leclerc says you have to be careful, because it really depends on who you’re talking to. Some say it’s the Picton Terminals legalities, some say it’s the Ridge Road gravel pit. Leclerc does make a point in stating that the failure by the County to enforce its own bylaws is affecting every resident of the County in one way or another. Water rates and what he calls “the declining financial reality of the County” are other key concerns for Leclerc.

Leclerc hopes his past experience with council will serve him well come election time. He stands by his integrity and the fact that he has maintained a close involvement in the community for over 12 years through the Chamber, Rotary, deep business relationships and volunteering. Leclerc says he is for the common good of the County and will be focused on the issues and not the politics.

Leclerc also sees his financial knowledge and background as a key component to his campaign. Leclerc earned his MBA at Dalhousie University. As much as residents would like the think otherwise, Leclerc knows it’s all about the money.

“The County collects $50 million dollars annually through our taxes, and these funds are spent with the direction of council. I have had experience in financing companies of all types including towns, cities and corporations of this size. I am very familiar with the impacts of executive [council] decisions on the financial results. I am ready to hit the ground running when it comes to developing and implementing financial strategies that are coming from the issues impacting every single taxpayer,” says Leclerc.

As far as issues facing the County, Leclerc is also of the opinion that most issues are intertwined and can’t be solved without addressing all the issues collectively. Leclerc says that he would rank the priority-based issues on how fast they could be dealt with. “A constant challenge facing council is getting down in the dirt and finding the root causes of problems. Also focusing on problems that are solveable may sound obvious, but in this world, it’s important.”

As far as opportunities that could be seen for future council, Leclerc has three words. Leadership, leadership, leadership. Leclerc says the next group around the horseshoe needs to be a team focused on the common good of its citizens.

“We need to find the appropriate financial economy and spend tax dollars prudently. We need to support our businesses and volunteer communities and build on the assets of our County while listening to people to ensure we are doing it right. Not everyone can be right or satisfied but surely we can move forward on issues while justifying our actions,”says Leclerc.