Positivity won the day, says Aker

By Craig Westcott

The first five polls that rolled in election night in Mount Pearl pegged incumbent Mayor Dave Aker with a lead of better than 60 per cent over challenger Roy Locke.

But Aker wasn't ready to get comfortable about the certainty of the win until more results came in. He waited until the final count before acknowledging the victory and thanking Locke for putting his name forward.

Elections, said Aker, are always exciting.

"Whether you win by a nose, or you win large, you still have that wrench in your gut until you see the first results coming out,” he said. “It was funny, they released five polls at a time for a total of 33 polls, it was very consistent across the board as they released the results."

As the incumbent mayor, Aker said, the pandemic and Snowmageddon and their impacts on the city were more challenging issues than council's dismissal of Chief Administrative Officer Steve Kent, who has filed a suit against the City.

"Really that wasn't an election issue," Aker insisted. "And I really thought that at the end of the day, respect and positivity basically is what people voted for as opposed to negativity."

With the election over, Aker doesn't seem too concerned about dealing with the anonymously crafted campaign flyer that was distributed throughout the city asking voters to eschew the incumbents. Asked if there is anything council can do about regulating the activities of third parties in elections, Aker said council may look at it, but it's not a top priority and it has to be weighed against the right to freedom of speech.

"I was very disappointed to see it," Aker said of the flyer. "It's very unfortunate for our residents and very unethical to have used the City's logo in a way suggesting that the City of Mount Pearl was the organization responsible for it. And there were some things said there, including about me, that frankly were false."

Aker said he doesn't know who is responsible for the flyer, but he doesn't think it was a candidate. "I'm not a hundred per cent sure. All I can tell you it was very negative and the messaging did not seem to resonate with our residents. And frankly when we were knocking on doors we heard some very positive things and very constructive criticism and feedback, but it didn't reconcile with that flyer, so from a campaign perspective we just continued to truck along using our positive messaging and engagement at the doors and I think at the end of the day that's why we were successful."

During the campaign, one of the local radio stations ran a streeter in which every Mount Pearl resident who was interviewed called for change. Some of the usual suspects on social media made similar calls. Voters, however, seemed to feel differently, at least judging by the results. 

"One of the things that was debated during the campaign was about electing a brand new council," Aker acknowledged. "Again, from the engagement we received at the doors, people were only too happy to welcome new members to council, but they clearly also valued the experience that I along with Jim Locke and councillors Isabelle Fry and Bill Antle (had). They really valued that experience and we were all re-elected."

Kieley named Deputy Mayor of Mount Pearl

By Craig Westcott

First time councillor Nicole Kieley is Mount Pearl's new deputy mayor.

Her election to the role was the chief item of business Tuesday, after all seven members of council were sworn-in at a ceremony at the Reid Community Centre before the family members and special guests of council, including Municipal Affairs Minister Krista Lynn Howell.

Though it's been only a week since the election, the four incumbents who were re-elected and the three newcomers have been busy getting acquainted.

"We did a meet and greet last Wednesday, the day after the election, with the seven members of council and our CAO," said Mayor Dave Aker. "It was a chance to relax for an hour or so down in our chamber over a cup of coffee and a few biscuits. We had a healthy conversation getting to know each other, because there are three new members now in the council room."

Aker and his colleagues were quick to name Kieley as deputy mayor and to strike the members of council's various committees.

"It is a vote of council," Aker said of Kieley's appointment. "Councils in Mount Pearl in my time anyway have always respected that whoever got the highest number of votes among the members of council elected typically is appointed as the deputy mayor."

As for the committees that are tasked with working with senior staff to examine issues and report back to council with recommendations, the corporate services, marketing and economic development committee will be composed of Deputy Mayor Kieley and councillor Jim Locke; the infrastructure and public works committee will be led by councillors Mark Rice and Isabelle Fry; and the community development committee will be composed of councillors Bill Antle and Chelsea Lane.

"Committee work begins this week as does orientation for the new members of council," said the mayor.

The incumbents will no doubt be glad to see the chamber back to a full slate to share the load. Part of the fallout from the incident involving former CAO Kent was the related dismissal of two councillors, who were accused of sharing confidential information with him after he left the City's employment. A third hand was also lost to the chamber when long time councillor Lucy Stoyles left to run provincially this past winter in a successful campaign that saw her elected to the provincial legislature. That left only four councillors, including the mayor, sharing the committee work. Aker himself ended up serving on the public works committee with then Deputy Mayor Locke.

"In my experience, every member of council that I have ever worked with has been very, very dedicated,” said Aker. "Everybody is equal in terms of the contribution to council and I know the commitment and effort is there. So yes, it will lighten the load a little bit for the four returning members of council, but we're looking forward to working together and making a very positive experience for us as well as our residents going forward... The agenda between now and Christmas will be to focus council on their orientation as well as creating a budget for 2022 and then shortly into the new year this council will get together and formulate a strategic plan for the next four years. It's a big challenge getting three new members of council up to speed on the operation of the city and their roles as councillors and also get engrossed in a budget that will probably take five or six committee of the whole meetings to ultimately finetune and get to the point where we have enough consensus to bring it to the public probably around the middle of December... We've hit the ground running here and the relationship among council seems to be very strong and I'm very optimistic that we're going to have a great term."

Mount Pearl based group once again gaming for charity

By Mark Squibb/October 14, 2021

Since 2018, Gamers vs MS has been raising funds for the MS Society of Canada to help fight multiple sclerosis.

Since their inception, the group has raised $175,000. Much of those funds come from the twice-annual, week-long gaming relay marathon, in which gamers across Canada invite folks to tune into their streams, watch them play games, have a chat, and leave a donation.

Project Director John Michael Bennett of Mount Pearl said that the last year has been particularly successful.

“A huge majority of that (money raised) has been this year,” said Bennett. “This year things have really taken off, and we’ve raised about $60,000 through this project alone this year. And with this relay upcoming, we can never make any predictions because there are always so many different things in the air, but if we can raise anywhere from $30,000 to $40,000, during this relay, we would be more than ecstatic. But every dollar counts, so we’re just happy with whatever happens.”

The 168-hour relay begins October 16. Beginning at 8 a.m. that morning, folks can tune in at GamersVsMS.ca and watch at anytime. Gamers play for six-to-twelve-hour shifts before passing the baton, so to speak, to the next streamer.

Content depends on who is streaming at the moment.

“Me, personally, I do stream during the relay, and I tend to be Nintendo-based, so think of your classics like Mario or Zelda,” said Bennett. “Others, where it’s going to be close to Halloween, will do some scary, horror-esque streams, so you might see them play Resident Evil or Silent Hill. Some people even do art streams. So, even though it’s called Gamers Vs MS, some people do art, and some people do art for donation. So, one of our biggest fundraisers, when she receives any donation, she does a quick two- or three-minute sketch for you.”

For those who have never participated in a stream before, Bennett said it’s sort of like interactive TV.

“It’s no different then tuning into a channel on your television,” said Bennett. “There’ll be a screen that is displaying the stream that is currently happening. So, you’ll see the streamer and the game that they’re playing, all on one screen.  And off the side is the chat box. But where everything is live and in-the-moment, if you use the chat box, or if you donate, it will pop up on the screen in real time. So, it’s very interactive.”

The streamers will be able to interact with those using the chat feature.

Around 20 or so streamers will participate in the relays. Typically, seven or eight are from Newfoundland, as the event was founded here locally in Mount Pearl, and several of the committee members live in the city.

And while the twice annual relay is the group’s marquee event, folks who want to do a stream of their own can participate in a “One-up” stream and raise money for charity on their own. Information on how to do that is on the group’s website.

Adding in the “One-Up” participants, there could be as many as 50 or 60 streamers participating annually.

Given the online nature of the service, COVID-19 has not interrupted the group’s output all that much, and may actually have enhanced it.

“People were starting to adapt to the online world, and we were already there,” said Bennett.

The relay runes from October 16 to the 23 and can be accessed at www.gamersvsms.ca.

Outgoing council salutes much respected City Clerk on her retirement

By Chris Lewis/September 30, 2021

The City of Mount Pearl is saying goodbye to longtime City Clerk Mona Lewis.

Members of the old council used the last portion of their final meeting together to thank the much-respected municipal servant.

“Something the City of Mount Pearl stands for is that we are solid leaders for the community, and we lead with good ethics, truth, and honesty,” said Mayor Dave Aker. “I want to point out that one of those people that is a true leader here in the City, attending her last council meeting, is Mona Lewis. Mona, you are very much an inspiration. Not just to all of us in this room, but to many of our residents, because you’re just known as Mona. All you have to do is say your name, and they’ll say, ‘Oh yes, Mona Lewis, absolutely.’”

Lewis’ retirement was a long time coming, having become a familiar face to most people who’ve visited City Hall during her tenure. For many she was seen as the ‘Go to’ lady, who got things done.

Aker commended Lewis on her career, stating she has made a tremendous contribution to the city.

“We’re going to miss you dearly, Mona,” Aker said. “It’s been a pleasure to work with you.”

This was followed by a round of applause, and some words of kindness from the other members of council including Deputy Mayor Jim Locke, and councillors Isabelle Fry and Bill Antle.

Lewis’ last day with the City was September 30.

Kieley the top winner in Mount Pearl

By Mark Squibb/September 30, 2021

Mount Pearl residents were onboard with Nicole Kieley and her platform, and proved it at the polls.

Kieley earned 4,538 votes, the most votes of any candidates.

She felt honoured by the confidence that residents placed in her.

“The most I was expecting, and am grateful for, was a seat,” said Kieley. “All I can say, along with all the other candidates, is that we tried our absolute best. I did absolutely everything I could with the campaign. It was exciting. I was a little shocked, and also greatly honored that so many people I had connected with and that I listened to believed in me and the work I want to do for Mount Pearl.”

Kieley ran first not for municipal politics, but provincial politics— twice. She ran as an NDP candidate in a 2017 byelection, and again with the Liberals in the 2019 election.

She said her previous experience on the campaign trail helped her a great deal this third time around .

“You learn every time,” said Kiley. “And, it really takes a village. I certainly had an immense amount of support from my family and friends.”

Kieley said that her provincial losses didn’t sour her from politics because of her passion for public service work.

“It’s never a loss to put yourself forward,” said Kieley. “Everyone has passions, and everyone has skills, and I think between my community work, and my work in a field [as executive director of the NL Sexual Assault Crisis and Prevention Centre] where things don’t always come easily and there’s been circumstances of crisis that I’ve worked through. And recognising that resilience can be found in vulnerability and our losses and places we want to grow. I truly believe that.”

She said she will take the concerns she’s heard at the doors to the council chambers, beginning with low hanging fruit like neighbourhood issues, including safety concerns in local neighbours.

“From that, let’s look at policies and programs and infrastructures,” said Kieley, adding that inclusion and diversity in all planning were essential to her platform.

The Team Gushue Highway, and the increase of speeding that may be associated with it, has been one piece of infrastructure that she has heard at the doors time and time again. Kieley said short term solutions such as speed calming measures can be enacted, but the long-term solution will likely require the participation of the provincial government, which she would advocate for. She would also like to continue to see increase of supports for local businesses.

Milmore out to make her voice count inside council

By Chris Lewis/September 23, 2021

Sandra Milmore hopes to put her dedication to Mount Pearl to the test.

When asked about herself, the city council candidate begins by describing her passion for the place she has called home for the last 27-years. For 20 of those years, Milmore has kept as busy as possible by volunteering just about anywhere she could.

That includes the St. Vincent de Paul food banks, the Knights of Columbus, the Kinettes, and the Frosty Festival.

Milmore said she hopes she has managed to make a positive change for her fellow citizens.

“I’ve been busy, and I absolutely love it. As they say, ‘It’s my thing,’” Milmore said. “If I’m able to put a meal in someone’s belly, a smile on someone’s face, that’s what I’m all about.”

This is the first time she has run for politics, though Milmore said she had been thinking about it for a while. Her retirement after 30-odd years with Eastern Health where she worked in the privacy and release of information division, afforded her the time to run. That plus her five children are now grown adults.  

Milmore has been busy going door-to-door and creating something of a laundry list of items she knows are important to voters. Traffic and the Team Gushue Highway are among the things near the top of the list.

“People want that road done. It’s dangerous, and we need it fixed,” Milmore said. “The City says one thing, then the government says another. Bottom line, the problem needs to be fixed.”

She also addressed some of the plans currently in the works in Mount Pearl, such as the new community centre. Although she is excited about the idea, Milmore questioned whether council has considered the extra traffic it will bring to the city’s streets.

But Milmore added, she understands a councillor’s position is that of a teammate and not an individual. So she is looking forward to discussing such issues around the council chamber and making decisions as part of a team, if elected.

“There are a lot of good things happening in the City – I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” Milmore said. “But like anything, there are always issues, and it would be my job to do what I can to fix them. That’s exciting to me. At the end of the day, I’m not going to promise someone the moon and the stars. But, I will be a voice for those who want me to be their voice. I’ve got one vote, and I want to make it count… It’s hard to put everything into a nutshell sometimes, but I just want the best for our city and I think people are seeing that at the doors. Mount Pearl is the place to be, and I want it to stay that way.”

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.”