Former NHLer hopes to suit up for Mount Pearl council

By Mark Squibb/September 23, 2021

Actor, comedian, author, and former NHL player Terry Ryan is trying his hand at municipal politics.

“I’ve always thought about it,” said Ryan, who ran for Mount Pearl council in 2017, scooping up about five percent of the total vote. He said he wasn’t thinking of running again this term, until his daughter put the idea in his head.

 “This time, to be honest, it was kind of out of sight, out of mind, but in mid-August, I was driving down the road to get a bite to eat with my daughter, Penny-Laine who is 11, and she said,’ Why aren’t you running?’ and I thought,’ Why not?’… I live in Mount Pearl, I grew up here, I’m still very involved with the community, so I guess the way I saw it when Penny-Laine said that was, ‘Why not?’”

Ryan is known by most for his storied hockey career, including a stint with the Montreal Canadiens in the nineties. He said while playing on the team, he learned about what it meant to be both a leader and a representative.

Off the ice, Ryan has written two books, worked in the film industry as an actor, crew member, stunt person, and writer, and performed standup comedy. He says his experience over the years has well prepared him for the council chambers.

“When I was 13, I didn’t think, ‘One day, I’m going to be a councillor,’ but I think that given the experience that I’ve had, a lot of things that I’ve learned and what I’m good at are going to come in as great assets to council, should I get in.”

On the ice, Ryan might have dealt with an opponent by throwing haymakers at him, but he said he’s not joining council as an instigator.

“A lot of people, when I say I’m running, they say, ‘Oh, go in there and shake it up.’ But that’s not really it,” said Ryan. “I love Mount Pearl council for the most part, and there’s not many months go by that I don’t call and inquire about something.”

In fact, current Deputy Mayor Jim Locke and former councilor Derm Connolly, both coached Ryan in hockey.

“Jim Locke is just a good guy,” said Ryan. “And he coached me when I was a kid and now he’s one of the best councilors we have, and he serves as deputy mayor… and Derm coached me while he was on council. So, I’ve always had a decent relationship with people that are on council, and I think they’ve done a great job. There’s a few spots open now, so I figured, ‘Why not go for it?’”

With that said, Ryan said Mount Pearl is not without problems that he would like to address should he be elected.

Near the top of that is list is traffic — and speeding.

“Since they built the Brad Gushue highway, sometimes, and I’m not joking, if you’re here in the morning and you’re trying to get out between 8 and 9 o’ clock, it often takes 20 minutes. The other day it took me a half an hour to get out,” said Ryan. “What’s the answer? I don’t know. You can’t expand Park Avenue I don’t think. My point is, it’s almost become a highway, so traffic is one thing, but the speed! Each exit into Mount Pearl, people are going really, really fast. And it was brought up to me by a few people.”

Ryan said that speeding is especially a problem in the city’s many school zones.

But Ryan’s biggest concern is what he calls an increase in crime in recent years.

“The biggest one for me is the break ins, and the crime,” said Ryan. “I don’t know Mount Pearl, in my lifetime, to be very dangerous, to have much crime, and I know nowhere is without blemish, but lately, I mean, my car was stolen right out of my driveway last year. I know that stuff has happened here and there, but now it seems like it’s happening a lot. Again, what’s the answer? How much power do we have over the police? I’m not sure, but I’d love to find out. And that would be one of my first things.”

He suggested the City could arrange more neighborhood watch type programs to help curb crime.

Having lived much of his life in the public eye, Ryan said he can use some of his connections to the city’s advantage.

“I’m not trying to name drop, there’s a fine line,” said Ryan. “But Jason Momoa is a buddy, and if we’re doing a fundraiser, I can get these people on board. I can’t see how the City of Mount Pearl would not benefit from the connections I’ve made in my lifetime.”

As it relates to elections, Ryan would like to see changes in how campaigns are conducted — particularly as it relates to signage.

“Why isn’t there a limit on signs?” asked Ryan. “I find it ridiculous.”

He said candidates should be limited to the number of signs they can put in the ground, and that only certain areas should be designated as approved sign areas.

It’s a concern, said Ryan, that candidates are expected to pound hundreds of signs into the ground, when they ought to be out talking face-to face with constituents.

“It makes my knees weak, it makes my stomach sick, that people don’t even know the issues,” said Ryan.

Unfortunately, he said, every politician he has spoken to has told him that signs are the way to go, and if he doesn’t put out signs, he won’t get any votes in the ballot box.

“I think it’s going to be one of these things that we look back on and say,’ Man, that was bizarre, all those signs,’” he said.

Signs aside, Ryan said he’s ready to get into the game.

“As a hockey player, I was a great teammate,” said Ryan. “I would work hard and always be there for my teammates, and in this case my teammates would be my fellow councillors and the citizens of Mount Pearl.”

Accessibility issues top of mind for candidate French

By Chris Lewis/September 16, 2021

Denise French my be making her rounds around the city knocking on doors and asking for support, but the veteran provincial civil servant says she still doesn’t consider herself a politician.

French is one of 12 people seeking election to Mount Pearl council. There are six seats available, besides the mayor’s position.

French prefers to still call herself a citizen, and one who loves her city.

She has been thinking of running for council for about a year, she said, and when the call for nominations came, she had to decide.

“’Why not me?’” she remembers asking herself. “I love this city, I love the people in this city, and I want to fight for the people in this city no matter what they need.”

French has been involved with the Girl Guides for over 20 years, an experience she said has helped get to know the city and its issues.

One of the big things on that list is accessibility.

Through her involvement as a volunteer with the Frosty Festival, French took a course on accessibility in cities. She said she is committed to making the lives of people with disabilities easier.

“That doesn’t just mean physical disabilities. You don’t need to be in a wheelchair to benefit from accessibility upgrades in the city,” French said.

She pointed to the traffic lights along Ruth Avenue as an example, which are sounding lights for those who are visually impaired.

“But, that’s only one intersection,” she said. “I don’t know why that can’t be at other intersections around the city. These are things that can be done so easily.”

French admitted her first run at politics has been a learning curve. But she’s discovered she enjoys the door-to-door campaigning.

“I post everything online when I hit the streets. I’m getting pictures taken with residents and having lovely conversations. That’s absolutely what I’ve been enjoying the most,” French said.

Some of those conversations have opened her eyes to even more issues around the city, French added, including things that seem to be common to the minds of most residents.

“Speeding is a big one,” she said. “Taxes is another issue that people speak about a lot. They want their taxes to stay where they are, and that’s something everyone can relate to, I’m sure. Those are all things I’m keeping on my mind going into this.”

French admitted some questions catch her off guard.

“Someone asked me the other day what the tallest building in Mount Pearl was … I had no idea!” she said.

French said the campaign has been an enjoyable experience so far and she is looking forward to having the chance to apply what she’s learned at the council table.

Rice promising to bring can-do attitude to city council

By Chris Lewis/September 16, 2021

Long time Mount Pearl volunteer Mark Rice is feeling confident about his chances in this month’s city election.

Rice has lived in the city for over 40-years, and has been heavily involved in community life while raising three daughters.

Rice moved to Mount Pearl in 1988. Describing himself as a go-getter, it did not take long for him to get involved in local groups. This includes the rec hockey league, where he sat on the executive board for some 22 years. He also sat on the Morris Academy school council while his daughters went to school there, and got involved in the Mount Pearl Intermediate and Mount Pearl Senior High volleyball programs.

Rice is the second cousin of former council member and current MHA Lucy Stoyles. Ride said he has been described as the male version of Stoyles, thanks to his dedication to the city throughout his life.

For instance, Rice has been an organizer with Toonies for Turkeys, which he has been doing since 2004.

“There’s 112 guys that play hockey in the senior league, and every year we do a fundraiser – Toonies for Turkeys,” Rice said. “I give that money to Kim Power, and she goes through all the food banks in the city. So, all that money is spent in the Mount Pearl area. Food hampers is mostly what it is, and we’ve been at that for years now.”

Some of Rice’s other involvements have been with the Janeway Telethon, the Mount Pearl Sport Alliance, and the Huskies Volleyball Club.

He hopes to add council meetings to his regular to do list.

“I’ve got a lot of items on my agenda for when I get elected – because I am going to get elected,” Rice said.

He plans to address what he sees as an increase in break-ins and general crime in the city.

Traffic is another concern, specifically the increase in traffic in the Commonwealth Avenue area.

“With increased traffic means increased speeds.,” said Rice. “Since Costco opened up, our Commonwealth Avenue area and Mount Carson hill has gone crazy … I’m going to look into the possibility of putting in speed bumps, and three or four way stop signs to slow down traffic. One of my biggest points for when I get on council is to see the Team Gushue highway finished up.”

Rice, who is a facilities manager with Eastern Health, said he would also like to see a bylaw that would require masks being worn when entering city facilities. This, he said, is a simple health measure that is still important due to the unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 virus.

Rice said he will listen to residents and hear their issues no matter the size.

He said his strong personality and knack for seeing things through are two traits that will stand him well in politics.

“I’ve got the experience, and I’ve got the knowledge. I can get in there and get stuff done,” he said. “I’ve been asked many times to run for City council, and I think that’s because every time I get involved in something, I’ve managed to make positive changes. I’m a good team player. Mount Pearl is a great place, but it’s not without its own issues. That’s what I want to be able to do, tackle those things and make positive change for the city.”

Budget reallocation will mean line painting for more parking lots

By Chris Lewis/September 9, 2021

Street markings and parking lot line paintings were all up for discussion at a recent meeting of council in Mount Pearl.

On Tuesday, Sept. 7 councillors in the City of Mount Pearl got together for their regular meeting of council, during which Deputy Mayor Jim Locke took some time to speak on the City’s street marking plans. He said the City’s 2021 street marking contract was inclusive of the costs for summer line markings, which were to complete the various construction projects that were underway throughout the summer season.

However, due to what Locke called coordination concerns, it was decided that the street markings would instead be included in each of the individual tenders that fell under street construction contracts.

Therefore, he said the City’s line painting budget can be re-allocated elsewhere as required.

The total budget available from this is $64,325.25.

“Engineering services has received multiple inquiries regarding parking lot line painting throughout the summer, and I know it was brought up here in the chamber about areas of concern. In particular, the Team Gushue Sport Complex coming into the Reid Centre,” Locke said. “The engineering services department also completed a review of parking lots throughout the city.”
Locke said the Team Gushue Sport Complex would run approximately $26,000 if they were to complete line painting work up there. The Summit Centre and Glacier library would come in at $31,000, and the Gloria Pearson Centre would cost about $2,000.

As well the Ruth Avenue Sportsplex would cost about $2,300 for the work.

Admiralty House would cost about $3,500.

The total amount of all those comes in at $64,800 - in line with the aforementioned budget.

“The engineering service department is recommending that we re-allocate the summer line markings budget to complete our parking lots that are in much need of clear line painting.”

Most of those will be completed in their entirety, according to Locke, with the exception of the Ruth Avenue Sportsplex and Gloria Pearson Centre which will both have directional arrows painted at the very least.

Councillor Bill Antle said this was a good use of the money. As he drove around the city, he said most of the parking lots can be confusing when trying to figure out where one can park.

Mayor Dave Aker said parking lots are not completed every year. The City’s streets, crosswalks and some of the more heavily trafficked areas see yearly care, but parking lots are often left for when it becomes more of a necessity or, like this instance, when there are monies available for the work.

Director Gerry Antle, in charge of infrastructure and public works, echoed this and said parking lots can vary depending on usage.

“Mostly, you’ll see parking lots will last maybe 4-5 years depending on their use,” he said.

City's finances in good place heading into the fall, says Antle

By Chris Lewis/September 9, 2021

The City of Mount Pearl is doing well in terms of its finances.

During the most recent meeting of council in the City of Mount Pearl, held on Tuesday evening, Sept. 7, councillor Bill Antle took some time to speak to the City’s financial situation.

He said during the meeting that it was a common occurnece for council to provide what he was calling a mid-year financial update.

“Last December, we presented the 2021 budget for the City of Mount Pearl,” Antle said, stating that this budget in particular was a unique challenge for Mount Pearl as they maneuvered unexpected challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said the budget process last year took some eight months to complete, and wanted to ensure residents that the City has maintained its focus on the best long-term plan possible.

He described the city’s financial position as “solid.”

“We continuously monitor our revenues and expenditures to ensure we maintain a balanced budget,” he said.

As of July 31 of this year, the City has collected 99 per cent of taxation revenue, which he said is the City’s primary source of revenue.

"While our taxation revenue is on target, our goods and services on municipal revenue numbers are slightly down from where they were projected,” he said. “The realities of COVID-19 require significant changes to all city facilities, including closures, reduced programming, reduced rental revenue, and this impact has resulted in a decreased revenue by 20 per cent. Or, $254,000.”

Municipal revenues, he added, are also down this year due mainly to an increase in permit applications and a lower than expected amount of traffic violation files.

He said the City is expecting this revenue to be down by 49 per cent against the target, which comes out to an estimated $537,000.

“That being said, overall the City is projecting to collect 97 per cent of all revenue, despite the impact of COVID-19 has had on our operations this year,” Antle said. “In budget 2021, the City reduced operating expenditures by $2.5-million in an effort to balance a notable projected decrease in revenue.”
From that, Antle said the City has reduced operational spending throughout the year, which has controlled costs and subsequently ended up with the City, so far, spending 54 per cent of their city operating budget so far.

“While we focus on controlling costs, we maintain our commitment to advancing our mission, leading the way as a family oriented and business friendly city, providing quality services,” he said, adding that the City has invested $7.5-million so far this year in capital projects, and continues its investment in a digital transformation.

On top of that, Antle reported the City had committed some $350,000 in operating subsidies for various organizations, including Admiralty House, the city’s Senior’s Independence group, and the Mount Pearl Sports Alliance.

“There was another $750,000 allocated to developing a new splash pad and skating rink at the recently announced civic centre,” Antle said.

“Over $2.3-million were added to our fleet renewal, allowing us to maintain service standards and important key work such as snow clearing and fleet maintenance.”

The last thing Antle had mentioned was an investment of $175,000 into the implementation of “important initiatives” outlined in the City’s employee engagement plan.

He also stated that the budget process for 2022 has begun, and he is confident that the City will have what he considers a forward-looking and fiscally responsible budget.

“As you can see from our capital expenditures, we are working hard to build a city that people want to live in and work in … Throughout the course of this year, we will continue to manage and monitor our revenue and expenses. We’re committed to a balanced budget and at present are not projecting a deficit, which, of course, is subject to change.”

Claire Hutchings from CBS and Alex Taylor from Mount Pearl hosted a summer fundraiser concert in aid of the food bank in Mount Pearl. The duo were saluted for their efforts by Mount Pearl council.

Seeing the upside - Construction work on Topsail Road may aid safety in school zone, says Locke

By Craig Westcott/September 2, 2021

The City of Mount Pearl is using some $70,000 in savings from its federal Gas Tax Allotment to add to the upgrades of Old Placentia Road.

Infrastructure and public works chairman and deputy mayor Jim Locke noted the $461,840 contract to repave Old Placentia Road was awarded back in June to Modern Paving Limited. This additional $70,000 will cover extra upgrades to the asphalt at the intersections between Richard Nolan Drive and Commonwealth Avenue.

The money will pay for repairs to the cracked paving and dips in the road that lead to further deterioration and poor drainage. Locke said the money will be accounted for as a change order to the project.

“I’m already hearing it when knocking on doors, ‘Old Placentia – when will it be done?” said Mayor Dave Aker. “People like pavement. They don’t like when it’s being laid, but I think that’s only a natural reaction. I think this is a great piece of work. So, congratulations to all and happy navigating throughout our city as we rebuild our city and invest in it further.”

Locke agreed the inconveniences caused by the construction is short term pain for better roads in the long run.

In other capital works news:

Council has approved $24,422 in fees for CBCL Limited to act as the Engineer of Record in overseeing the $861,754 contract to upgrade the storm sewer and outfall on Topsail Road. The construction is being done by Dexter Construction Limited.

“I’m sure we’ve all traversed there and seen the extensive construction work that’s being carried out,” Locke said. “It’s a sizeable piece of work.”

Noting he has been getting a few calls about the project, councillor Bill Antle asked if the completion date is known.

“Good question,” said Mayor Aker.

“The work on Topsail Road should be finished, on the Topsail Road portion itself, within about two or three weeks,” said the City’s director of infrastructure and public works, Gerry Antle. “There’s extensive work required to rebuild the storm sewer outfall that leaves Topsail Road towards the river. That’s a substantial piece of the work that is still underway and that will continue likely up to October.”

In response to a further question from councillor Antle, the director said it’s unlikely the Topsail Road work will be finished by the time schools reopen. “It’s pending weather, as well,” he cautioned.

Councillor Antle then asked if there is any way the contractor can work extra hours, such as in the evenings and on Sundays to complete that portion of the work before the schools open.

“We could speak to the contractor on that,” said the director. “Bear in mind that would be at premium (cost) because that would be outside their schedule. They have a schedule to perform and they are in accordance with that right now. So, at this point in time I would not anticipate (that happening). I think the best we can expect now is (that it will be completed) within the next two or three weeks.”

Councillor Antle said people are concerned about the impact the construction will have when extra traffic flows in and out of Mary Queen of the World School once classes resume. The concern is that it will cause traffic backups.

“I think what we could do is speak with the contractor about reducing (construction activity to allow for heavier) traffic in the morning and the afternoon,” said director Antle.

“I think the key time is going to be in the morning when people from some of the newer subdivisions northwest of Topsail Road have to get down to Mary Queen of the World,” said Mayor Aker. “They’ve got to come down say Mount Carson, Moffat (Drive), or Farrell Drive, but they’ve got to back towards Mary Queen of the World. So, it would be nice if some preference was given to the buses. But then again there’s going to be a lot of families driving cars too, and people going to university and back to the high school. I suspect there’s going to be a lot of cars on the road. But the buses will stand out. Perhaps our flag people can help them along.”

Deputy Mayor Locke allowed councillor Antle and the mayor raised good points. Council has had many discussions over the years about nighttime construction, he said.

“But it comes at a cost,” Locke added. “You’ll have to pay more for that, and it’s all a balance, isn’t it? We’re trying to maximize our financial resources to get as much upgrade as we can to our infrastructure… And I think the mayor is touching on an important point as well – whether or not there is road work anywhere in the city, the fact that people are returning to the reality of going back to work in September. You’re going to see more people returning to their places of employment, more students going to Memorial University and our trades colleges, more people going to our high schools, and they’re going to be driving. So, (even) without this construction we are going to see a change in human behaviour. There is going to be some increased frustration. People aren’t used to this waiting in back logs. So, I would just reach out and encourage people to practice courtesy, to practice some manners while you’re driving and who knows, maybe this backup on the traffic may be a safety issue, it may slow down traffic in the school zones when all the kids are super excited about going back to school. It might actually work in our favour. I know people will be frustrated.”

Mayor Aker said another problem with night construction, is that even the thoroughfares and main roads in Mount Pearl are close to houses and the noise generated by construction could easily affect those areas. “Can you imagine the disruption to people’s sleep and peace and quiet in the dead of night if even just a little way down the road there was a paver working or a shovel going bang, bang, bang?” said the mayor. “Just think about that.”

Deal inked to protect City of Mount Pearl workers with high vis gear

By Craig Westcott/September 2, 2021

The City of Mount Pearl has entered into a two-year agreement with Campbell’s Ship Supplies to provide high visibility clothing for its outside workers.

Deputy Mayor Jim Locke, who chairs council’s infrastructure and public works committee, told his colleagues at last week’s public meeting the deal is worth some $23,151, HST included.

“It is noted that quantities purchased may increase from the RFP (Request for Proposals) estimates depending on actual usage,” Locke added.

Five bids were received from three vendors and department staff recommended the contract go to the lowest bidder, which was Campbell’s.

“It’s a large expenditure, but well thought out through a competitive bidding process,” said Mayor Dave Aker.

In other council news:

The City has approved the second installment of the 2021 operating grant for Admiralty House Museum. Councillor Isabelle Fry, who chairs council’s community development committee, said the installment amount is $45,000.

Council has approved a variance to allow a resident at 9 Pinware Crescent to expand the size of his driveway to accommodate more parking.

Fry said the variance will allow for a 10 per cent deviation from the City’s requirement that 50 per cent of frontage be set aside for landscaped grounds. The application met all other requirements of the development regulations for residential – medium density zoning.

Council approved development permits for site improvements to an ancillary building at 99 Clyde Avenue and a variance for an accessory building at 5 Kelburn Place. Fry said those permits were issued for the period from July 26 to August 20. A total of $1.4 million in building permits were issued for the same period covering everything from residential renovations to fence constructions and in one case, a demolition at 24 Park Avenue.

Five occupancy permits were issued for the period; for an office for Campia Gymnastics at 21 Old Placentia Road; a retail store for Simply Supplies at 1C Sunrise Avenue; a retail unit for S&M Beauty & Wellness at 1 Centennial Street; a temporary campaign office for federal Liberal candidate Seamus O’Regan at 39 Commonwealth Avenue; and a music studio for The Music Collection, also at 1 Centennial Street.

Oil & gas exec Darlene Careen new head of MP - Paradise chamber

By Staff/August 26, 2021

The Mount Pearl - Paradise Chamber of Commerce has a new board in place for the coming year.

At its recent annual general meeting, the board members elected Darlene Careen, who works on the West White Rose oil project, as the chamber’s president, replacing marketing consultant Dave Halliday.

Careen studied Business Administration at Memorial University, and has enjoyed a successful, progressive career in the oil and gas industry. Her work experience on major industrial projects has covered many facets of commercial management including contract development and negotiation, change management, labour relations and claim management.
Careen has also volunteered with the Beavers, minor soccer, minor hockey, and dance. She has served as a director with Mount Pearl Minor Hockey, the Alzheimer’s Society of Newfoundland and Labrador, treasurer of the Mount Pearl Frosty Festival board of directors, as a Mount Pearl City Days committee member, an Avalon Dragon Boat racer for breast cancer survivors, an instructor for Junior Achievement, and as a member of the Newfoundland and Labrador Organization of Women Entrepreneurs (NLOWE). Careen has also volunteered as a Techsploration role model and mentor to several young women as they launch their careers. She is also involved with Ronald McDonald House and the Jimmy Pratt Breakfast Service.

“It is a privilege to sit as president of our chamber and work with such strong, dedicated and like-minded directors to support our commercial communities and attract and retain business, prosperity, leaders and mentors for today and tomorrow,” said Careen.

The new vice president of the chamber is Colleen Glynn, co-owner of EASY Safety Training & Services, located in Mount Pearl. She replaces lawyer Jillian Hewitt.

Glynn’s career started as a software developer and business analyst in the information technology industry, working for various companies throughout Canada and the U.S. In late 2017 Glynn and her husband Scott started EASY Safety Training.

Glynn said she is a firm believer in what the chamber of commerce stands for and how it brings the business community together. She said she welcomes the chance to develop her own business knowledge while drawing on the experiences and support of other members.

The chamber’s secretary this year is Brad Bragg, a realtor with Royal LePage Vision. Bragg has been a member of the chamber since 2015, and said he is eager to contribute as a board member to improve his professional and leadership skills. The Mount Pearl native has an Information Systems degree from St. Francis Xavier University.

The treasurer of the chamber this year is Coffee Matters co-founder and owner Scott Hillyer. He enjoys taking on leadership roles in professional organizations and is a past vice chairman of both Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador and the Restaurant Association of Newfoundland and Labrador. Hillyer also helps out a number of local charities.

One of the new board’s first matters of business was the hosting of a round table several weeks ago featuring local business owners, the federal Minister of Small Business, Mary Ng, and St. John’s South - Mount Pearl MP and federal Natural Resources Minister Seamus O’Regan.

Roy Locke enters race for Mayor

By Staff/August 26, 2021

Mount Pearl’s contest for mayor will be at least a two-man race with the filing of nomination papers by long time community volunteer Roy Locke on Tuesday.

Incumbent Mayor Dave Aker is also seeking election.

Locke said he is making the run with the encouragement and support of his family, friends and business associates.

Locke, who has run a number of times in provincial elections for the NDP in the past, said he loves Mount Pearl and knows it well and is ready to help the city get “back on track.”

“I want to re-open the doors at City Hall,” said Locke. “Over the past few years there seems to be a real disconnect between City Hall and the community. We need to turn that around. We need to truly engage citizens. The only way a mayor can effectively govern is with the people’s support, participation and respect. We need new leadership in the mayor’s office. I would like to restore respect and pride in our great city. We need more openness and transparency between City Hall and taxpayers. The mayor and council need to always remember where the money comes from. It is from the taxpayers’ pockets. With over fifty million dollars being spent in our city annually, taxpayers have a right to know more about how their hard-earned money is being managed. I feel I am the right person to provide the leadership needed to accomplish these goals. It’s time for change at City Hall.”

Locke is the president of Pearl Entertainment and Promotions and a long time member of the Mount Pearl Kinsmen. He has also volunteered with the Frosty Festival and other civic groups.

Locke said the City needs more business sense around the council table. “We need to manage tax dollars wisely,” says Locke. “There are infrastructure needs that need to be addressed. From roads and sidewalks to fleet and underground infrastructure, there is always lots of work to be done. Taxpayers have to be at the centre of all spending decisions. And there needs to be better communication with citizens – taxpayers need to know what’s happening at City Hall. After all, it is their money.”