By Mark Squibb
Long serving Mount Pearl councillor Jim Locke is once again seeking re-election.
Locke was first elected during a 2007 by-election and has served four consecutive terms since, making him the city’s longest serving incumbent beating Mayor Dave Aker, who was acclaimed earlier this month, by two years for that distinction.
“When I was first approached about running, I had never given it any consideration, really,” said Locke. “But a friend reached out and said this was something I should consider. I spoke with my wife and family and some other friends and co-workers, and they gave me the budge and the support, and here I am. It’s amazing how quickly the time has passed. One term has rolled into another. But it’s been a huge and wonderful learning experience, and we’ve seen some great initiatives brought to the city. And that’s what motivates me. I grew up in Mount Pearl. I benefitted from the volunteerism in Mount Pearl, and from the services and programs and sports and kindness and mentorship of coaches and hockey moms and hockey dads. I just love living in Mount Pearl and giving back to the residents and the youth.”
Locke said it’s his passion for the community that has made him put his name forward time and time again.
“I want to make Mount Pearl inclusive and accessible and safe,” said Locke. “I want to make Mount Pearl a community that people are proud to call home.”
This campaign he is focusing on speeding complaints, traffic safety, lack of affordable housing, and community safety, adding council has implemented policies to address those issues.
“There are still a few projects I would like to see come to fruition,” added Locke. “One is the development of our Northland area – the new housing and business development area along Kenmount Road and Wyatt Boulevard. That’s one. And also, I’m a member of the Community Safety and Well Being Committee, and we just received notice during our last meeting for this term of the draft report of our Community Safety and Well Being Plan. So, I’m looking forward to that being implemented later in the fall.”
Locke and his wife Janice boast two sons, James and Jonathon, and three grandchildren, James, Addison, and Benjamin.
A retired teacher who spent much of his teaching career at Mount Pearl Senior High School, Locke was awarded the Newfoundland and Labrador Premier's Award for Teaching Innovation in 2022, and holds a number of other accolades and awards, including a King Charles III Coronation Medal, which he received this year. He has coached minor hockey teams in Mount Pearl for over 20 years and has won several Coach of the Year awards.
Outside council, Locke has served on both the Mount Pearl Junior Blades Board of Directors and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Board of Directors.
“It’s a pleasure to work on council and sit around the table with other colleagues, residents of Mount Pearl who also have a passion for improving our city,” said Locke. “But I’d also like to mention the staff that we have in the City of Mount Pearl that are so dedicated.”
See thepearlnews.ca for more coverage of Mount Pearl candidates in this election.
Jim Locke