As it stands at this time, the position of 'councillor' in the HRM is classified as a part time position.

Does it make sense to classify such an important position as part time?

Ehey do not have time to attend budget hearings.
Yet they can spend months running in elections
for other political posts (i.e, Fougere in the federal election),
at full time pay.

Yet another very important municipal politics issue that needs to be addressed.

You correctly point out Sheila Fougere's run at federal politics, while maintaining her council seat. However, I think you'll also find that see did not draw her salary during the campaign period.

That being said, if a provincial MLA wishes to seek higher office, such as a federal seat, that sitting MLA must resign their seat in order to run in a federal election.

The same law should apply to councillors?

Back to council - It's also important to note that as a sitting mayor, Peter Kelly has access to all the perks of his office during an election campaign. That includes drawing the mayor's salary while campaigning. That also goes for councillors as well.

The incumbents certainly have the upper hand.

If you're elected to city council, it should be designated a full-time job. HRM is a big place and it deserves the full attention of all councilors. I've never agreed with the part-time designation.

Contender wrote:
If you're elected to city council, it should be designated a full-time job. HRM is a big place and it deserves the full attention of all councilors. I've never agreed with the part-time designation.

The problem is that unless you really jack the salary high, you will end up with either unemployable people like Dawn Sloane or retired types. The business types you want in those positions wouldn't be able to run.

Not only the incumbant, but all councillors have an advantage over new folks, regardless of the level. they seek.

If most employees want to run in politics, they must take a unpaid leave of absence. Let's face it, most councillors, are politically associated, and the job is just a stepping stone for another job, federal or provincial.

Becky Kent is running for MLA when she is still a councillor .

According to Halifax.ca, the councillors are paid at $39,089.90. This seems to me to be a fair enough salary to be classified full time. But do they do a full time job?

According to Halifax.ca, the councillors are paid at $39,089.90. This seems to me to be a fair enough salary to be classified full time. But do they do a full time job?

GoodByeKelly wrote:
According to Halifax.ca, the councillors are paid at $39,089.90.

That is as of 2001 and is now incorrect. I cannot find a reference on the site but I know that the salary moved up to the low $50K range last year and is supposed to go to the $58-59K range next year.

I believe it was raised to the mid 50's a few years ago, noting it was full time.