GRAND FALLS-WINDSOR, N.L. — Later this month the residents of Grand Falls-Windsor will head to the polls to vote for their next member of council.
On Sept. 17, nine candidates will be vying for one seat on council and residents will choose one to represent them.
With that in mind, the Central Voice posed a pair of simple questions to each candidate ahead of election day.
Here are the responses.
Name: Billy Loveless
Age: 49
Occupation: Planner at Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro
Why are you running: We survived and thrived throughout the last 10 years after losing our main industry. The next 10 years are very crucial for the future of our town. Our town needs to have strategic economic plans to capitalize on every growth opportunity that presents itself, along with maintaining our current infrastructure. I hope to be a part of that process ensuring a bright and prosperous future for every age group of Grand Falls-Windsor.
What is one thing you would like to accomplish as a member of council in Grand Falls-Windsor: I have many but if I have to choose one, I would like to see more post-secondary opportunities available which will have the potential to increase the number of working professionals in our town when industry growth presents itself.
A key factor to a surviving/thriving town is the number of working people.
Name: Kathy (Katherine) Oake
Age: 58
Occupation: Court officer at provincial court in Grand Falls-Windsor
Why are you running: I am running for Town Council because I believe I have a strong voice, I am knowledgeable and I have an activist background that would be an excellent addition and of great benefit to our community. Our Municipality matters and I believe it can grow and prosper far beyond what we have today.
What is one thing you would like to accomplish as a member of council in Grand Falls-Windsor: I would like to accomplish and be involved with the development of new industry or industries in our community. While on council I want to accomplish all that I can to benefit our community and it's people. More inclusion, transparency, employment and strategic planning for a more viable future.
Name: Dave Canning
Age: 52
Occupation: Fundraising manager for River Gold
Why are you running: I want to work to make Grand Falls-Windsor the very best it can be for citizens of all ages and abilities.
What is one thing you would like to accomplish as a member of council in Grand Falls-Windsor: I would like to continue to pressure both levels of government to increase the number of RCMP officers in our area, as well as take an aggressive approach to new business in sectors such as tourism, mining, aquaculture, etc. I am willing to work hard for this community and residents, bring your concerns to the forefront and be part of the continued growth.
Name: Lori Hennessey
Age: 49
Occupation: Volunteer Coordinator, Grand Falls-Windsor Farmer's Market & Volunteer Director Be the Change Non-Profit
Why are you running: I want to be an active participant in developing the future of the community. Decisions we make now will impact the future for our children. Diversity enhances council and generates new ideas. With my own children facing the decision of leaving the area for work, I want to be a part of the growth, so my grandsons don’t face the same decision.
What is one thing you would like to accomplish as a member of council in Grand Falls-Windsor: There are many things I hope to be a part of as a council member. But I hope to help implement a program to address the rise in crime and personal property theft. After research and discussion with both RCMP and Municipal Police, I believe a neighborhood watch program is a viable. Like all other issues, I’ve researched, made calls and had conversations with people who could help put together a plan.
Name: David Oxford
Age: 46
Occupation: Social Worker (since 2003)
Why are you running: I have a strong desire to work to enhance Grand Falls-Windsor which I proudly called home six years ago. I previously served on the Town of Gambo council before moving to GFW giving me an inside look into how municipalities operate and the governance role of a councillor.
What is one thing you'd like to accomplish as a member of council in Grand Falls-Windsor: To work with the other six councillors to further enhance the profile of Grand Falls-Windsor through economic and business development. This in turn will increase revenue which can aid with programs and services for all ages, improved infrastructure (roads, water, sewer, etc) and working with other community organizations to continue towards a sustainable Grand Falls-Windsor.
Name: Holly Dwyer
Age: 49
Occupation: Instructor, Business Management Program, College of the North Atlantic
Why you are running: The truth is, I have always known that one day I would throw my hat in the ring (figuratively, of course – nobody would recognize me if I “actually” threw in my hat) and offer to take a greater role in municipal affairs. I take tremendous pride in this community and want the opportunity to help shape the future of the town.
What is the one thing that you would like to accomplish as a member of council in Grand Falls-Windsor?: The Town needs a strategic plan – a comprehensive, clear, focused vision for the future. I believe that the strategic goals should focus on the following areas: 1) Economic Development and Tourism; 2) Efficiency of Internal Processes; 3) Community Health and Safety; 4) Special Initiatives to Enhance Quality of Living; and 5) Communication; in order to provide direction and to allow us to be more transparent and accountable. Those five areas are my priorities-and I have ideas for each one.
Name: Danielle Lynch-Lyver
Age: 45
Occupation: Central Health
Why am I running: The reason why I am running is because I want to work with current businesses to help them grow along with helping to get new businesses see the opportunities and benefits in coming to Grand Falls-Windsor.
What is one thing I would like to accomplish as a member of council: The biggest thing I feel it’s very important to have all resistance know that they are important and that as a councillor I will voice their concern and ideas for the future. The one thing I would like to accomplish as a councillor is offer more affordable wellness/personal development programs for all residents in Grand Falls-Windsor and offer more family events during the year.
Name: Chad Budgell
Age: 38
Occupation: Clerk at Service NL
Why are you running: I have lived in Grand Falls-Windsor for 17 years, and my wife and I are raising our two boys here. I am running for councillor because I want to help our town to continue moving forward. Growing up, my family was always heavily involved in politics and I inherited that passion. For the last three and a half years, I was constituent assistant to the previous MHA. I have the passion, experience, and contacts to be an effective councillor for Grand Falls-Windsor.
What is one thing you'd like to accomplish as a member of council in Grand Falls-Windsor: If elected councillor, one of the goals I want to accomplish is making crosswalks and sidewalks safer inside our school zones.
Name: Terry O’Halligan
Age: 51
Occupation: Owner/Operator of ASAP Cabs
Why are you running: I want to make things better for seniors and the kids of the community
What is one thing you’d like to accomplish as a member of council in Grand Falls-Windsor: I would like to get some major municipal infrastructure work started.
