NEW GLASGOW – Politics have been a big part of Jocelyn Dorrington’s life for many years, she says.
Her father, Francis Dorrington, was a councillor for Ward 1 in New Glasgow for more than 20 years and she credits him as the person who helped shape her understanding and appreciation for politics.
“As one of six children, our experience of living in a home filled with politics, you can imagine our views on politics and the discussions we had and still have today,” she said. “This awakening and curiousity of the many ways in which politics (municipal, provincial or federal), impacts a person’s life has led me along this pathway for a long time.”
Her mother tempered the enthusiasm for politics by making sure her children took time to think about what they were saying.
Now, Dorrington is taking the next step and running for a seat herself by declaring her candidacy for councilor in the by-election for Ward 1, New Glasgow. The race is to replace Troy MacCulloch’s seat. MacCulloch stepped down to take up employment out west.
“Having been a resident of Ward 1 for most of my life, I have seen the changes in Ward 1 over time,” she said. “I have seen the vibrancy of its residence, the changes in its neighbourhoods and I see the possibilities of what it can become in the future.
Dorrington retired from teaching about two years ago, but she spent more than 35 years in the field of education in both the classroom as well as in educational administration. When she was an educational administrator, she helped develop school curriculum, resources for students and staff and developed policies used at the board and provincial level.
“I learned invaluable skills, knowledge and processes which can be applied across many sectors,” Dorrington said.
She said the last 20 years much of her work has been focused on race relations, social justice and diversity.
Four areas of importance to her include: a transportation system/model that is accessible and affordable; an economic and entrepreneurial growth strategy to support small business and entrepreneurs, which consider diverse models and activities; enhanced programs and services to better reflect the diversity of New Glasgow’s residents and appropriate alignment of services and staffing levels for essential services and emerging growth areas; and lastly, work towards a full service health care system for the residents of New Glasgow.
In addition, to her past work experience, Dorrington is currently volunteering as a member of New Glasgow’s Planning Advisory Committee and Ward 1 Recreation and Social Center.
“Being retired, I have more time to give and I would like to commit my time to working and servicing my community,” she said. “I want to be challenged, engaged and active in my community. Being a town councilor will fulfil those elements.”
Dorrington can be reached at 902-752-7769 for those who would like more information.
Also running in the by-election which will be held May 4 are Henderson Paris, Russell Borden and Sharon MacLean.
