urray are the newest members of Antigonish Town Council.
Farrell, an Antigonish native who is a self-employed hair stylist, said a few of her clients started suggesting she run for office a few years ago. She decided to take their advice to heart and is excited to be a part of council.
“I’m keen and willing to work hard,” she said. “I’ve talked to a lot of people at their doorstep and I want to take their voice forward.”
Farrell placed third in voting with 1,095 votes, in no small part due to the door-to-door campaign she started in July. Farrell has a number of issues she wants work on, such as the green energy and accessibility, adding she is also passionate about issues facing small businesses.
“It’s one thing to create a business but you have to be successful and keep that business going,” she said. “I think the present municipal government has made some changes that were very positive and I think we need to keep that momentum going and we have to adapt to our fast changing world. I think we have to be very careful in making decisions not only for today but we have to worry about a decision that could impact 30 years down the road.”
Farrell said she has a lot to learn but she is ready to work.
This was Murray’s second time running for Antigonish Town Council, after finishing seventh in the 2012 municipal election, missing out on a council seat by 102 votes. He says he is thrilled to be on council and is confident he can be a positive addition.
“I’ve been involved with committees of council for the last 12 years, so I’m fairly familiar with how the procedures work,” Murray said. “I’ve observed how things could be improved, in my opinion, so I’m not that intimidated by it. I feel quite comfortable with my new position.”
Murray, who works as a designer and artist, said he has worked a lot in the town with renovations, improvements, and general beautification. Murray thinks there are opportunities for the area.
“We have to draw people into the town all year-round and if we can do that though culture and the arts… that’s something I can really help achieve, I hope,” he said.
With the win, Murray becomes the first openly gay member of Antigonish Town Council. He received several encouraging e-mails from other members of the LGTBQ community around the province.
“I think these little milestones should be acknowledged and while it doesn’t mean that much, it does for a lot of people in various communities,” he said.
“While great progress has been made… any little thing we or I could do in the fight for equality of any group, Native Canadians, African Canadians, I think that helps.”