Government
Biography
Councillor Hal Davidson was born and raised in the town of Amherst, and he was re-elected for a second term in October, 2024.
He attended all levels of local schools before going to Dalhousie University in Halifax, where he graduated in 1978 with a bachelor of arts. He then attended Carleton University where he worked towards his masters of social work.
He has been the recipient of the Governor General 125th Anniversary Commemorative Medal, the Celebration 1980 Medal and the Correctional Service of Canada Exemplary Service Medal.
Davidson played three years with the Amherst Jr. Ramblers, including two years on the league’s all-star team. He played another three years at the university level with the Dalhousie Varsity Tigers. He was a member of the Nova Scotia Provincial Hockey Team that won a silver medal at the 1975 Canada Winter Games.
A coach in minor hockey for several years, he is now a scout for the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League.
Davidson is an active volunteer in the community and supporter of several groups, including the Bridge Adult Service Centre, Amherst Striders Running Club, Amherst and Area Community Christmas Dinner, CANSA, and CCGS. Hal is also a huge supporter of several local sports organizations.
Employed by the Correctional Service of Canada for 24 years, the now-retired Davidson held various positions with the organization including parole officer, unit manager, assistant manager of correctional programs, deputy warden, and warden.
He also served as a Governor-in-Council appointee on the Parole Board of Canada, a position he held for seven years before retiring in May 2014.
Davidson and his partner, Shelley Carroll, are well-known volunteers in the community. He is the father to John Davidson III and Chelsea Butts, the stepfather to Annie Sherry, Chris and Kyle McCarthy, and grandfather to IJ and Charlie Mae Butts.
Committees
- Amherst Board of Police Commissioners
- Accessibility, Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Committee
- L.A. Animal Shelter Board
- Committee of the Whole of Amherst Town Council
- Amherst Audit Committee
Expenses
Access Councillor Davidson's Travel Expenses and Recurring Expenses.
Contact
Phone: 902-694-0190
Email:
Biography
Nic Furlong was born and raised in the community of Amherst and attended the local elementary and secondary schools. His deep connection to the town fuels his passion for serving and ensuring its prosperity for future generations.
He is happily married to his wife, Kelly Furlong, and together they are proud parents to their two children, Lillian and Reed. Family is at the heart of everything he does, and he strives to create a community that supports all families and individuals alike.
Professionally, Nic brings a wealth of experience to his role as town councillor. With almost 10 years' experience as a project manager in the nuclear industry, he has honed his skills in leadership and strategic planning. Additionally, with eight years in the mining industry as an operator and safety professional, he has developed a strong commitment to safety and efficiency in all endeavors.
Currently, he owns and operates We Like Work, a company that services hundreds of residents and business owners and provides employment to over 20 local people. His experience in business gives him a unique perspective on economic development and the importance of supporting local enterprises.
In his spare time, Nic enjoys curling, photography, and exploring the latest technologies. These hobbies not only enrich his life but also inspire him to bring fresh ideas to the town council.
Dedicated to serving the community with integrity and vision, Nic looks forward to working together to build a brighter future for all.
Committees
- Amherst Board of Police Commissioners
- Northern Region Solid Waste Committee
- Regional Emergency Management
- Committee of the Whole of Amherst Town Council
- Amherst Audit Committee
Expenses
Access Councillor Furlong's Travel Expenses and Recurring Expenses.
Contact
Phone: 902-694-2735
Email:
Town Hall
98 Victoria Street East, Amherst, NS
Mailing Address: PO Box 516, Amherst, NS B4H 4A1
Reception: 902-667-3352
Email:
Fax: 902-667-5409
Town Hall Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
For after-hours Public Works emergencies call our dispatch center at 902-667-7227.
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To request assistance with a Town service or issue, submit a service request online.
Biography
Rob Small is in his third four-year term as Mayor. He previously served two terms as Mayor from 2008 to 2016, and two terms as Councillor – from 1994 to 2000. Mayor Small recently retired after 32 years working at IMP Aerostructures fulfilling several management roles, with his final position as Director of New Business Development & Programs.
In Mayor Small’s first two terms as Mayor, he established a condensed Strategic Planning process that enabled Town Council to focus on those issues that needed to be addressed during the four-year term. This process includes identifying the priorities and then establishing a framework for completing each of these strategic priorities. In addition, changes were implemented that saw a more engaged management team in reporting progress against each strategic priority, and the involvement of members of Council within each initiative.
In his third term in office, the Mayor and Council will continue to use Strategic Planning and the priority setting process to establish the plan for this four-year term, based on the input of our citizens and recommendations from staff. This business approach has been very successful for the Town of Amherst in terms of setting expectations, establishing timelines, and completing initiatives.
In addition to establishing Strategic Priorities for this four-year term, priorities have been established for the improvement in operations and services managed by the Town of Amherst. An example of an improvement includes the budgeting process to identity capital projects, and the tendering process in advance of the budget approval, to better control spending and anticipated costs.
Amherst is experiencing positive growth in both its residential and commercial tax base with an increase in population through interprovincial migration and immigration to our town. Further developments are in the works with a high confidence level that these will be completed during this term in office.
Rob Small is married to Wendy and has three sons – Adam, Danny, and Jason – who have all been born, raised, and educated in Amherst. Rob is a 40+ year member of the Amherst Lions Club and has been an active member of the community – volunteering throughout the years on various boards, commissions, and sports events/teams.
Committees
- Regional Emergency Management
- North Tyndal Wellfield Advisory Committee
- Committee of the Whole of Amherst Town Council
- Amherst Audit Committee
Expenses
Access the Mayor's Travel Expenses and Recurring Expenses.
Contact
Phone: 902-694-0014
Email:
