by Cecilia Naismith
About 30 friends, family members and supporters gathered in front of Victoria Hall Tuesday to hear Adam Bureau announce he had just registered to run for a Cobourg council seat in October,
“I am honoured to have this opportunity,” Bureau said.
Bureau said he looks forward to the chance to support and strengthen the community where he has been a business owner for 10 years – and a volunteer and board member (and current chair) of the Downtown Business Improvement Area since 2015.
He has moved beyond the role of business owner to become a volunteer and advocate for local business, revitalization and community improvements. He also sits as a member of the Downtown Coalition Advisory Committee, which oversees the execution of the Downtown Vitalization Plan.
Recently, he supported Max's Big Ride, which travelled through Cobourg last summer to raise awarenes about Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, and Pride Northumerland (established to raise awareness and education about the LGBTQ community). His latest endeavour is the Safe and Inclusive Streets Strategy, a Cobourg Police Service initiative that works toward a afer, more inclusive community.
Bureau and his wife Wendy are the parents of three daughters, and have devoted more than 12 years to foster parenting.
“I am eager to take the next step by offering a new perspective to council,” he said Tuesday, adding that he hopes to bring accessibility, transparency and accountability to all decisions.
Bureau's work with the DBIA has involved establishing partnerships with the town, the Northumberland Central Chamber of Commerce, the fire department, police service and other key community organizations. As a councillor, he wants to play a role in strengthening the town and its neighbourhoods.
“With your vote on Oct. 22, you are electing a candidate with strong family values, leadership skills, committed to building safe and inclusive communities in which to live, work, invest and play.
“Together we can make a difference. It's time for a change, Cobourg, so let's do this together.”
Bureau allowed he was “a little bit nervous and excited. But I know I can do a great job for this town as I have with the DBIA, and I want to give 100%.”
It's an initial run for public office for Bureau, and Rotarian Bill Patchett has volunteered to be part of his team, along with Ed Zylka.
“Between Jim Mills and I, we have been advising him on different things, and it's an honour and a privilege,” Patchett said.
