ARICHAT - Years in the food delivery business that have taken him to rural communities across Nova Scotia have helped to prepare Shawn Samson for his first crack at municipal politics.

As the Arichat resident heads into the home stretch of the 2020 municipal election campaign for Richmond County's District One, in a four-man race that also includes veteran incumbent James Goyetche and former councilor Rod Samson, Samson feels he is hitting his stride in getting his message out to local voters, even within the restrictions brought about by the arrival of COVID-19 in Nova Scotia.

"I've always said, if I can sell myself, I can sell anything," Samson said with a smile during an interview with TELILE 24/7 host Adam Cooke. 

To that end, while he is hoping to capture District One this Saturday, Samson is vowing to stay involved in public life and lobby for the interests of Isle Madame residents regardless of the outcome. His personal motto, "Never stop campaigning," has become a rallying cry not only for Samson himself but for other Richmond council candidates in different districts that have applauded him for his tenacious nature. 

In terms of the issues facing District One residents, Samson is putting a high priority on tourism development and promoting Isle Madame as a tourism destination. Noting that the island is not a natural stopping point for tourists travelling through Richmond County on Highway 104, Samson vowed to provide municipal support to a tourism industry that has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Samson, who describes his wife and his two children as his biggest inspirations, also pledged to increase accountability around the Richmond Municipal Council table should he secure a victory in District One this coming Saturday.