Mayor Candidate Profiles 1. Joe Duggan
My background My wonderful wife Christine and I have been married for 39 years. We began building our house on Beachy Cove Road 45 years ago and we still call it home today. We have two children, Geoffrey and Jennifer, both who reside in Newfoundland & Labrador. I am the proud Poppy to my granddaughters, Norah and Jane. I was born in the mining community of Bell Island, where I earned a mechanic trade, but left the Island upon the closure of the mine in 1966. After moving to Ontario for a short time, I returned to Newfoundland where I worked as an Operating Room Technician until my retirement in 2002. My Involvement I have witnessed many positive changes in our rural town, which has contributed to its overall character and growth. I have 12 years of Municipal Government experience, where I have sat as Deputy Mayor and Councillor. I have dedicated many years to serving our community and our province and the following represents just some of my involvement: • Member of Economic Development Committee • Chairperson of Recreation and Community Service Committee • Cochairperson of Lifestyle Centre Committee • CoChairperson of the Northeast Avalon Joint Councils • Liason with the Fire Department In addition to the above I have been a part of the following: • Obtaining clean water for the community • Getting a plant for raw sewage • Establishing a Recycling Depot • Building Recreational Grounds • Emma Churchill Seniors Park My vision We are on the verge of many great things in our town and I want to play an active part in moving us forward. Some of the key issues in our town that are important to me include the need of affordable housing and a leisure centre. I am a firm believer in transparency and will continue to challenge decisions that waste tax payers dollars. I truly believe that Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s is one of the best towns in all of Newfoundland and Labrador. It is a wonderful place to raise our families and we should feel proud to be residents of our town. 2. Carol McDonald is a retired business person and entrepreneur who has owned and operated numerous businesses in St. John’s and surrounding areas. In the past, Carol has served as the Mayor of Portugal Cove and has served as a member and commissioner for several provincial and federal boards including Canada Ports Corporation, St. John’s Ports Corporation, Human Rights Commission, among others. An
active volunteer, Carol has been a volunteer with the Association for New Canadians for over 20 years. In addition, she has served on the Association’s Board of Director since 1994 and is currently President. 3. Gavin Will, candidate for Mayor, Town of Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s “Let’s keep Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s moving forward!” Gavin’s Record: Since being elected in 2013, deputy mayor Gavin Will has worked hard to build a progressive community that champions fairness, inclusiveness, and transparency in decisions made by council. He has proposed innovative solutions for service delivery, while laying the groundwork for future growth. Gavin believes in promoting active living and has led the fight for sidewalks and pedestrian safety. He supports seniors housing and transit so that seniors can remain in our community. He has promoted agriculture. He also ensures residents are informed about decisions by council. Gavin and the current council have adopted the town plan, improved outdoor recreation facilities, and made agreements with neighbouring communities on emergency services and security. As chair of the council’s finance committee he introduced an asset management plan that is helping to steer our town through the provincial economic downturn. Gavin has been a leader in calling on government to improve maintenance of provinciallyrun roads in our town. He has advocated for pedestrian walkways and worked closely with the Safe PCSP committee. He successfully lobbied for 24hour snow clearing on town road, and fought for the new Grade 59 school. Gavin’s Plan: Gavin will provide leadership to ensure our town receives its fair share of federal and provincial government funding for roads, recreation, and water and sewer infrastructure. He will also guard against the province downloading even more burden to the town, and is not afraid to take the provincial government to task when it reneges on its commitments to our town. Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s is dynamic, fast growing community. Gavin believes we need to improve its recreation facilities to better meets the needs of residents. If elected, he will also promote seniors housing, safer walkways, better street lighting, assess transit, and ensure timely and effective delivery of services. As deputy mayor Gavin is proud to have been part of a council that has worked effectively during the last four years. Gavin is now ready to work as mayor with other councilors and residents of the town. He believes we share the same goals and that by working together we will make Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s prosper. Gavin’s Biography: Gavin holds a Bachelor degrees in Economics and Education from Memorial University, as well as a degree in Journalism from King’s College, Nova Scotia. He worked as a journalist for The Telegram, CBC, Globe and Mail, Bloomberg News and Investment Executive. He then founded Boulder Publications, a small business in Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s, publishing award winning books on Newfoundland and Labrador. Gavin is a lifelong runner and is committed to promoting healthy living. He has lived and raised his children in Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s for twentythree years. You can count on Gavin to speak up for you and your family. Campaign HQ: 7098953457 Mobile: 7097496484 Email: electgavinwill@gmail.com Twitter: @GavinMWill
Facebook: DeputyMayorGavinWill For Council
Councillors Candidate Profiles 1. Dave Bartlett: My name is Dave Bartlett and it has been my privilege to serve my community and represent my fellow residents on Council for the past 4 years. I am hard working. I am fair. I am fully committed to my role as Councillor; I have 100% attendance at Council meetings. I am a person of integrity who is respectful to all. My education includes Bachelor’s degrees in Arts and Education (1990) from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a Master’s degree in Education (2001) from Mount Saint Vincent University. Together, with my wife, Carol and our three children, I have called Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s home for the past 23 years and there is truly, nowhere else I would rather live. I have been an educator for 27 years and I am thrilled to be working at our new 59 Middle School. Community is very important to me. I have a strong volunteer background both in and outside of Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s. I am a proud member of The Mazol Shriners whose sole purpose is to ensure that children with burn injuries and orthopedic disabilities get the treatment they need. I lead their Oriental Band in the role of Band Director. I’ve been a soccer coach for the past 17 years. I am Council representative to the Royal Canadian Legion in Portugal Cove. I am also a layperson and active volunteer in my church. I believe that by becoming involved in my community, I make it a better place to live. As a member of your Council, I am proud of what we have accomplished. We have seen many improvements for our Town. Some of them include the implementation of a Town Plan, completion of our new Middle School, upgrades to our recreational facilities, an increase in traffic calming measures, walkability projects, contracting of The Commissionaires, 3 bridge replacements, the Rainbow Gully turf field expansion, restoration of the Town War Memorial, implementation of 24 hour snow clearing, just to name a few. I would like to continue working with a team that makes issues like these a priority. On September 26th, I respectfully ask for your continued support. 2. Joe Butler 3. Dean Churchill is a lifelong resident of Portugal CoveSt. Phillips. Dean was born in Portugal Cove in 1957 and he has seen the tremendous growth in his hometown throughout his life. He raised his family in a town that provided a safe, nurturing community with great recreation. One of Dean’s sons now resides in Portugal CoveSt. Phillips with his wife and their daughter, who was born in 2016 and is Dean’s first grandchild. Dean’s other son and daughterinlaw reside in Shoal Harbour. Dean wants to be a part of the next town council of Portugal Cove St. Phillips to ensure that the future of the town continues to evolve and grow in a responsible, sustainable, and prosperous manner while retaining the pride of community and safe environment that is such an important aspect of the town’s character. Dean is particularly interested in reviewing taxes, promoting the town as a venue for new businesses, ensuring responsible and sustainable growth, and continuing to promote a healthy and active community with great recreation for residents of all ages.
Dean is a currently working as a selfemployed contractor with his son, spending time with his family, and enjoys volunteering with St. Lawrence Anglican Church in the senior choir, on vestry (People’s Warden), as a Youth Leader, and as a Eucharistic Assistant. While much of Dean’s current volunteerism is spent with his church, he has also volunteered with organizations such as Scouts Canada when his children were young, as well as helping out with various community and sporting functions throughout his children’s childhood. Dean was a former town councillor with the Town of St. Phillips, and he made his return to municipal politics in 2013 when he ran in the last election. After careful reflection, as well as encouragement from his family and friends, Dean decided that he wants to run for the next town council of Portugal CoveSt. Phillips and build on his support from the 2013 election. It is his desire to bring his passion for the community, and his leadership, to the council table as a representative of the people of Portugal CoveSt. Phillips. Dean is excited to see a healthy slate of candidates and he wishes everyone the best of luck during their campaign. He looks forward to meeting with residents while campaigning and listening to their insight into what they want the future of the town to become. Dean thanks everyone for their consideration of his candidacy and encourages everyone to make time to vote on September 26th. CONTACT DEAN: r.deanchurchill@gmail.com Twitter: @DeanChurchillNL Facebook: Dean Churchill 4. Jennifer Dwyer: My name is Jennifer Dwyer, I’m a 7th generation Tucker from this community. I married William Dwyer and we have two beautiful girls age 12 and 6. When I was a child, I often told my friends that I would be mayor of our town one day, so this is a longtime passion of mine that I would like to pursue. I have owned a dog grooming business (Jennifer’s Groom Room) in our community since 2012, and I have been a business owner since 2007. I know what it takes to run a business here and in St. John’s. There are more challenges with a smaller community and there are issues that need to be addressed in order to keep our businesses healthy and strong so they can grow and sustain. I feel that I am right for the job because: • I have a passion for our community. • I am not afraid to put myself forward and tackle opportunities head on. I am a team player. I often come up with new ideas and ways of doing things. • I am openminded and don’t hold grudges. I understand that people have different views and opinions than mine sometimes and we just have to work through it. • I am dedicated and very focused when I commit to things. • I want to be the voice of every citizen. I have worked with children through Girl Guides and lived with my elderly father inlaw for 8 years, right up until he passed. I know the challenges that many people face. I have been involved with the Beachy Cove District Girl Guides for four years, and have learned so much through guiding. Teaching girls to respect themselves and others, providing them with skills to be a leader, and teaching them to include everyone in activities have made me a better person. I am not afraid to trust myself and know I can handle anything. In four years I have held every title you can have from unit guider, treasurer, up to deputy commissioner and commissioner. We have the best Guiders in Beachy
Cove Girl Guides, which make it a great support team. So if you are looking for someone with passion for our community who is honest, realistic and has common sense, that wants to be your voice in making the decisions, please vote for me. I want to make solid financial decisions that affect the whole of the community and make our roads safer for everyone. I want to keep our rural feel but ensure we are modern, while preserving our history and sharing it with our community. I am not afraid to ask questions and to stand up for what is right. I can’t wait to be on your council! Please go to my Facebook page– Jennifer Dwyer for PCSP, to see about my personal life and accomplishments. If you have any questions, concerns or want to know how I feel about a specific subject, please email jenniferdwyerforpcsp@yahoo.com. 5. Johnny Hanlon: I live on Bayview Heights with my wife Denise and our two children Stacey and Jack. We have lived at the same address for 23 plus years. Stacey and Jack are both attending Memorial University. My family has lived in this community for generations and I hope that someday my children settle here to raise their families as well. I have worked in the property management industry since 1999, during this time I have been responsible for multiple types of infrastructure and managed employees in both unionized and nonunionized workplaces. This line of work gives you extensive experience dealing with people and reacting to unexpected issues. I am employed with the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District since 2014. My work experience brings a practical approach to dealing with issues and I would like the opportunity to continue working with the residents to get their concerns heard at the council table. It is hard to believe that four years has gone by so quickly. It seems like it was just a short while ago that I was getting sworn in for my first term of office, here we are ready to go to the polls once again. There are numerous issues that the current council has resolved and just as many issues that are a work in progress. Issues such as: development, taxes, service level review, spending, infrastructure review and upgrades, are all concerns that need attention in the coming months and years. I am seeking reelection so that we have continuity into the next term of office. I ensure you that I will speak out on your behalf whenever necessary. I respectfully ask for your continued support on September 26 so we can work together for the next four years. 6. Darryl Harding 7. Cyril Hayden: Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s has been my place of residence for the past 12 years. I am married to Marion Hayden, former teacher at St. Philip’s Elementary and Beachy Cove Elementary. Education • Graduate of Memorial University of Newfoundland • Graduate of College of the North Atlantic • Journey Person Certificate in Welding (Red Seal) • Journey Person Certificate in Industrial Mechanic (Red Seal) • A variety of courses in management, human resources, team leadership, mediation/negotiation, media relations and marketing. Work Experience
• General Manager of Air Liquide for Newfoundland and Labrador (Retired) • Provincial Welding Advisory Committee • Interprovincial Examining Committee for Welding • Current member of the Welding Examining Committee (Red Seal) Community Involvement • Past Scout Master with Boy Scouts • Past President of Avalon Minor and Junior Hockey • Past coach with Minor Soccer • Past Member of the board of the Canadian Cancer Society • Past Member and Chair of the Avalon East School Board • Past chair of Avalon East Educational Foundation • Current chair of the School Lunch Association • Current President of St. John’s Retired Citizens Association • Current member of music group performing at seniors’ homes I will work for • Zero – Based budgeting • Efficiencies in the use of taxpayers’ money • A complete cost and environmental analysis on the depot expansion/relocation • Evening council meetings • Lower taxes • No water meters • Open communications with citizens I have the desire, the knowledge, the experience and the time to move our town of Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s forward for the benefit of all our citizens. Elect me and together, we will make a difference. cyrilhayden41@gmail.com Twitter: @CyrilLHayden Phone: 8953451 8. Stephen King: moved to Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s in 1986. He has spent most of his time since residing or maintaining a residence in the community. Stephen lived in Canada’s North for 11 years, where he was involved in advancing the interests of municipalities in Canada’s North as a Community Inspector and Town Manager. Stephen has extensive experience in community planning, strategic planning and Council training. Stephen has served on the following Boards, Committees and Working Groups: Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) Management Committee Nunavut Association of Municipal Administrators (NAMA) Nunavut Municipal Training Organization (NMTO) Nunavut Association of Municipalities Insurance Exchange (NAMIX) Nunavut Municipal Funding Formula Review Working Group Nunavut Municipal Water and Sewer Review Working Group Northern Infrastructure Standardization Initiative (NISI) Working Group Stephen hopes to get elected so he can bring the same enthusiasm and experience to Council. Stephen has a Master’s Certificate in Municipal Leadership from York University, as well as a Business Management Diploma from College of the North Atlantic. Stephen believes Council should make informed decisions based on honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. 9. Jeff Laham: is a lifelong resident of Portugal Cove – St. Philips and the father to two school aged
children. For the past 17 years, Jeff has worked for Department of Fisheries and Oceans where he developed the skills needed to effectively communicate with people at a variety of levels and convey information to get results. He has a passion for exercise and a healthy way of life. Having grown up and investing in a community he loves, Jeff appreciates the challenges facing residents of Portugal Cove – St. Philips. Having watched the town grow and prosper, Jeff is attune to areas in which we need to see further growth. With both of he’s parents in their senior years and a diverse network of family and friends, he has an indepth understanding of various demographics within his community, from our young children and young families to the seniors of our community. Jeff has a strong moral compass and a desire to work on behalf of the people of our community. He is reliable, honest and clearheaded and believes in honesty and integrity. Jeff is engaged and will listen to the people of our community, being a voice for their issues and concerns at the council table. He is committed to working hard on behalf of the citizens of PortugalCove – St. Philip’s. Jeff has a strong work ethic and believes in fiscally responsible government at all levels. He believes in an open and transparent council, that can work together on behalf of the town and he is ready to be a part of such a team. 10. Kerry McDonald: Residents and Business owners/operators of PCSP, I, Kerry J. McDonald, am seeking voter support to become a council member in this upcoming 2017 Municipal Election. Living in PCSP for over three decades, I have witnessed firsthand many changes within this town including the initial amalgamation of Portugal Cove and St. Philip’s. As individuals we have our own thoughts and ideas about what is best for our town. Some prefer to remain as we always were. A status quo if you will. I believe we need to adjust to change. Welcome new ideas, new businesses, new development all while retaining what brought us here to begin with. To build and prosper we have to be versatile and adapt. If we cannot bend, we will break. I have always been a good listener. Reminding my family through the years that there are two sides to every story was often unpopular. But it was an important lesson I still use every day in my personal and professional relationships. If elected, I promise to continue on that path. I will listen to all comments directed my way and try to resolve them by finding common ground. Not everybody will win and not everybody will be happy. Another unpopular statement to make while seeking nomination I am sure, but it’s the truth. And I believe that is something we as citizens of PCSP are in desperate need of. My professional background has had me wear many hats. I started as a labourer, then sales manager, and district manager in retail sales. I know what it is to talk to people and understand their needs. I worked for and then became owner of Consumer Electronics where I repaired TV’s, VCR’s, Microwaves, etc. As a past small business owner, I have an intimate understanding of the struggles our local businesses face. Now I work at The Marine Institute, one of the best teaching and learning facilities of its class. . I know late hours and long days. In the past I was the President of one of FFAW’s local chapters and am currently the Vice President of NAPE Local 7850. Like most, if not all residents of PCSP, I want this town to grow and prosper. I believe in us as a whole. Enough so that I made my life here, raised my daughter here, and continue to build my life here like all of you. However, I do not wish to see ourselves drowning in debt. I do not wish to operate under a veil of secrecy and hold meetings while most residents are working. It is time for transparency and accessibility here in PCSP.
I have no financial backers. No corporate sponsors I will owe later down the road. The pamphlets you see in the mail will be paid for by me. I have my morality, my willing to listen, my past experiences, and my honest desire to better this town for my family and yours. Vote for me, Kerry J McDonald on Sept 26th, 2017. 11. Doug Neary: Life long resident of P.C.S.P. where my wife, Shirley, and I lovingly raised our two daughters, Karen & Jo Ann. Retired Public Servant, having spent fourteen years with the Auditor General’s Department, mainly occupied with the audit of Municipalities throughout the Province. I then joined the Department of Labour & Industrial Relations, spending the final seven of my twenty one years there with the Labour Relations Board. Former entrepreneur/employer in our Town (business under new ownership and still employing several people). Served two terms on Council, most recently, 2009 – 2013. Voluntary activities: Charter Member of the Portugal CoveSt. Philip’s Lions Club. Successfully represented Appellants before: The Labour Relations Board, The Agricultural Land Use Appeal Board Panel of Referees of the Employment Insurance Commission. As Public Representative on the Council of the College of Physiotherapists 20052010; served on the Legislative Review Committee which revised the Physiotherapy Act in 2006 and, as well, on the Complaints Authorization Committee. Currently a member of the Disciplinary Panel which determines what actions, if any, are required in cases of alleged inappropriate treatment of clients by members. Commissioner of Oaths since July, 2011; Commission valid to 31 December, 2021. Member of the Town of Portugal Cove St. Philip’s Heritage Advisory Committee since 2014. 12. Tina Neary: I have been a resident of Portugal CoveSt Philips with my three children since 2012. My husband, Brian, was born and raised here and has a strong connection to his community. We relocated to this area from Ontario to take advantage of raising the children away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, instead allowing them the opportunity for growth and development of their worldview in a ‘small town’ environment while surrounded by goodnatured people. I am committed to the needs of my family and recognize that it is the family ties that bind which was validated two years ago when I was blessed with my parents and then my niece also relocating from Ontario to join us here in the beautiful surroundings of Portugal Cove St Philips. I am presently the Regional Director of Broken Arrow NL, an organization that provides treatment services to children and youth within a group of specialized therapeutic homes. My focus on children and families has spanned over 30 + years. During this time, I have been successful with the government of ON and NL while advocating for increased resources and understanding relating to mental health and wellness, education, inclusion and accessibility for all children, youth and families. I received my Masters Degree from Ryerson University and my experiences beyond graduate school have also enhanced my success as a post secondary educator since 2005. I am in my second term as President of the Child and Youth Care Educational Accreditation Board of Canada and have served as a board member with several other organizations. I have a passionate belief in people, which I will use to inspire residents to become prouder, stronger, and more valuable contributors to their community. I am respected as a credible voice
in decision making, and collaborating with community partners, which has earned me a seat at the table wherever I can serve others. My professional development is enhanced almost daily while my existing skill set relating to advocacy, program development, leadership, commitment and self awareness has contributed to me being a candidate in this municipal election. I strongly believe that honesty and integrity must underpin all aspects of my platform. It is not a oneissue cause, but a number of things that require support from those who are committed to making change. I intend to be accountable and accessible to the community and its needs with no one being left behind while addressing the issues and concerns brought to my attention. This includes the need for safety and accessibility for all residents, the need for decisions to be made that are inclusive of the community and their wishes, the need to spend wisely while avoiding financial constraints, further development of community resources, the need for sustainable transit options, the need for updates and upgrades to our most valuable resources which include the PCSP volunteer fire department and the need to encourage a sense of unity within our community. This is my plan…this is my promise. 13. Madonna Sharpe: I moved from the Burin Peninsula to attend Memorial University, where I earned a Business & Education degree. It was during this period; I met and married a lifetime resident of Portugal coveSt. Philips, Boyde Sharpe. It is here in Portugal coveSt. Philips, where we have enjoyed over 25 years of living; raising our 3 sons, Stephen, Stewart and Andrew, forging lifelong friendships and participating in all aspects of community life. It is here in this community that we share with our friends and family common core family and community values. My education has afforded my decades of professional success in many fields such as management, budget planning, finances, marketing and Human resources. I am often recognized by my colleagues for my natural and persuasive style of communication, intended to genuinely influence and motivate people for the right cause. Volunteering is an important value of mine. It demonstrates commitment to the community and a willingness to work for the betterment of others. It is selfless and it is fulfilling. My volunteer positions in and outside my community include Soccer coach, kellick coast games, junior church choir director, St. John Ambulance and other town events. I am a fitness activist and have won many awards over my lifetime. My current extracurricular activities are running, biking, singing and playing the guitar. I am an energetic person and use this strength to invigorate and inspire others to work towards and achieving individual and common goals for themselves and communities. I have a strong sense of pride in PCSP, this community has served me and my family well. It feels like a natural progression to get more involved in the administrative decisions of our growing town, be a voice for all. As your Councillor, I will protect the interest of the municipality and the constituents. I will play a vital leadership role in creating and implementing our community’s vision, strategic direction and values that include a sustainable future, allocating resources according to the community needs, accessible recreation and facilitating community participation, to mention a few. I have all the necessary traits for a successful Councillor. I am honest, as I always do the honest thing. I am focused, I know where I want this community to go and have a strong stated mission. I am passionate. You must have passion for what you’re doing. I am a respectful and genuine person, treating all people, regardless of station in life, class or rank, the same. I have excellent communication skills, with persuasion abilities. People have to believe in you, your mission, your credibility and the ability to get the job done.
Contact me anytime if you have questions. madonnamjstewart@gmail.com 7250577 14. Tracey Whitewick