The name Raymond Tynes may not immediately ring a bell with many in the Standardbred racing industry. Although, horsepeople that recently endured some turbulent years at Truro Raceway have probably heard of the local councillor who is now looking to become Truro’s next mayor.
Tynes, who has been a member of council for 12 years now, is looking to bring some change to the city’s top spot. The mayoral election is scheduled for this fall, and Tynes has said that he believes he is right for the position at this time.
“I believe people want change,” Tynes has been quoted as saying. “I think people want more transparency, someone willing to ask questions and not afraid to tackle the issues. I believe I have the necessary qualities and I love this town as much as anyone.”
Tynes is not a horseman, but he was one of a select few that helped chart Truro Raceway and the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Commission through some choppy waters just a few years ago.
In early 2014, the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board announced that it had called the loan of the Nova Scotia Provincial Exhibition Commission and took possession of its properties and assets. The NSPEC Board was dismantled and replaced soon after, and Tynes was appointed interim general manager of Truro Raceway. The track was able to make its way through the turmoil.
(With files from Truro Daily News)