Shubenacadie candidate list tops 80

More than 80 candidates are vying for 12 council seats in the upcoming Shubenacadie band election.

Colourful homemade campaign signs adorn many of the homes in Indian Brook, about 50 kilometres north of Halifax, where most of the band's 2,200 members live.

Jerry F. Sack, who is fighting off four challengers for the position of chief, said the band's finances are in better shape now compared to when he was elected two years ago, and two community pools are in the works.

He also said the Shubenacadie First Nation may soon be getting an economic boost through a transfer of Crown land in the Hammonds Plains area.

"That's to be turned over," Sack said. "We're just waiting on word for it right now. So if that gets turned over, that's great opportunities for new jobs and sustainability, right?"

But Indian Brook resident Blair Marr doesn't have a lot of confidence in these election-time commitments.

"When I see it, I'll believe it," said Marr. "Between now and June 8 they're going to say everything that everyone wants to hear and come June 9, I don't believe anything will happen. It'll be forgotten as quick as it's said. And that's the sad part."

Voters will cast their ballots on June 8, a day before the provincial election.

The chief and band councillors are elected to two-year terms.