The pitfalls of calling your MLA about the potholes
By LOUISE COCKRAM
In the same way that trivial calls to 911 might hinder help to people in dire emergencies, calls to MLAs that focus...
The MLA who paved the way for Christmas trees
By MARK COFFIN
Pam Birdsall’s story wasn’t the typical ‘vote for my party and I’ll pave your road’ kind of tale. It falls in the category...
Political teamwork translates into speaking up privately
By MARK COFFIN with LOUISE COCKRAM
“Close the door.”
Depending on who says those words, they can invoke feelings of fear or excitement. If it’s the supervisor you...
Maverick MLAs walk tightrope between party loyalty, conscience
By MARK COFFIN
Howard Epstein has never been known as someone who keeps his cards close to his chest. The former MLA served the district...
It’s tough to break political parties’ stranglehold on democracy in Nova Scotia
By MARK COFFIN
The reasons an MLA ends up as an independent are generally not the same as the reasons we romanticize independence. The career...
In din of politics, constituency concerns are loudest cry
By MARK COFFIN with LOUISE COCKRAM
The period just after first being elected is one of the most important times in an MLA’s career. It’s when MLAs decide...
Mentors make stage fright less daunting
By MARK COFFIN with LOUISE COCKRAM
George Moody served in the Nova Scotia legislature for over two decades. He represented the Kings-West riding in the Annapolis...
Tug of party leash is strong for MLAs learning the ropes
By MARK COFFIN
Most people know what it feels like to start a job when you’re not quite ready. To make it, you need a...
And the nomination goes… according to political script, usually
By MARK COFFIN
There is a provincial election just around the corner.
In Nova Scotia, there are no fixed election dates, so the premier and the rare...
Picking a political banner often depends on prevailing winds
By MARK COFFIN
“I was inspired by (Pierre) Trudeau. He captured the youth of my generation,” recalls Alexa McDonough. “But then I was really appalled by...