Municipal Affairs Minister Mark Furey appointed John Morash today, June 4, to oversee the merger of the Town of Hantsport with a neighbouring municipality.

Mr. Morash co-ordinated the amalgamation of Queens County with the Town of Liverpool from 1995 to 1996.

He is a chartered accountant, a fellow certified management accountant, a chartered business valuator, and is a part-time member of the Nova Scotia Securities Commission. He was a member, vice-chair, and chair of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board from 1996 to 2009.

“Mr. Morash’s role in helping create the Region of Queens Municipality, along with his knowledge of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board processes, will be a valuable asset as the Town of Hantsport merges with a neighbouring municipality,” said Mr. Furey. “With his experience and leadership, I know he will help with Hantsport’s transition to a strong governance model that will serve the needs of all its citizens.”

“I am looking forward to working with the Town of Hantsport, and the receiving municipality, in a manner which fairly represents the interests of all residents,” said Mr. Morash.

On April 16, the Town of Hantsport municipal council passed a motion to apply to the Utility and Review Board to dissolve town status. Mr. Morash will oversee the process and guide discussions for the town to become part of the Municipality of West Hants or the Municipality of the County of Kings, effective April 1, 2015.

“Mr. Morash has been through a similar process in the Region of Queens and can help guide our community toward a new model of governance,” said Hantsport Mayor Rob Zwicker. “We are pleased he has agreed to assist in the process so that we can make the transition as smooth as possible.”

The application for dissolution was filed with the Utility and Review Board on May 21. A preliminary hearing will be held June 19, at 9:30 a.m., at the Hantsport Fire Hall.

Source: Release