No challengers for Port Hawkesbury's long-serving mayor

Port Hawkesbury Mayor Billy Joe MacLean has a record in his sights: longest-serving politician in Nova Scotia.

There were no challengers for the town's top job as nominations closed Tuesday, which means MacLean will be mayor for another term after the municipal election next month.

MacLean, 70, was first elected to town council in 1962. He spent a number of years in provincial politics, then was elected mayor in 1992.

If he completes another four-year term, he will have spent 50 years in politics.

MacLean is not ruling out another run for the mayor's chair in 2012 either.

"I said to someone the other day, 'Look, if you notice me getting a little senile in the next couple of years, send me home,' but I'll do my best in the time I'm there and then decide."

Nevertheless, MacLean would like to see more young people running for public office.

"A lot of people shy away from it because of various reasons, but to participate in your community, there's no better way to do it," he said.

"But it's really hard to attract people. You've just about gotta conscript them."

Municipal and school board elections will be held across Nova Scotia on Oct. 18.