Four candidates seek two council positions as voters prepare for Oct. 19 by-elections; advance polls Oct. 10
Voters in Lakeland Ridges will choose two new councillors Oct. 19 after a summer of council disputes, and two resignations left vacancies just months after the municipal election.
Gregory Boone and former mayor Leonard Foster are running in Ward 1. Eric Cummings and Mike MacIlroy are seeking the vacant Ward 3 seat. Advance voting takes place Saturday, Oct. 10.
The by-elections follow a significant change at the council table in May. Greg Grant defeated Foster in the mayoral race, while Barb Glanville was the only incumbent councillor returned to office.
The new council soon faced disagreements over meeting procedures, communication and the location of the municipal office. In June, council voted to move municipal operations from Meductic to Canterbury amid concerns about asbestos at the Meductic Community Centre. Council paused the planned relocation in July pending public release of asbestos-related documentation.
Ward 1 Coun. Elizabeth Luimes resigned July 13; Ward 3 Deputy Mayor Stephen Manuel submitted his resignation Aug. 6, citing pressure from residents, political interference, and divisions affecting council’s ability to work together. Coun. Tanya Cloutier became deputy mayor Aug. 10.
The office dispute continued into September, when council voted to release asbestos and air-quality records within a month of the municipality’s related legal proceedings concluding.
Against that background, the River Valley Sun asked each of the four candidates the same five questions about why they’re running, their experience, and their priorities.
The candidates’ responses are below:
Ward 1 — Gregory Boone
Why did you decide to run for council in Lakeland Ridges?
Our councillor for Ward 1 resigned, leaving the position vacant. I was approached and asked to run in the election. At the time, I didn’t know anyone else was interested, so I put my name forward for councillor. It seemed unfortunate that the chair was empty and no one was stepping up. It took several days for me to learn our previous mayor had also submitted his name.
What do you believe you can bring to council and to the community?
This is a really tough question because it requires a person to do some personal inventory and then find something worth mentioning. I think it would depend on the situation that the council or the community was facing. Every skill has its own time and place. I suppose if I had to chose the most dominant trait, it would likely be the consistent demand for accurate and balanced information so that proper choices can be more easily identified. It saves a lot of hassle down the road and helps people make their own decisions about what is going on in their community.
Are there things you would like to see changed or improved in Lakeland Ridges? What would your priorities be?
I recently did an online discussion on this exact topic, not only for Lakeland Ridges, but for all municipalities in New Brunswick. The main topics of concern that came up again and again were: Council and Community Relationships, Community Health and Emergency Services, Roads, Property Taxes, and Crime. Education was right up there too, but that requires more than just a municipal council. It involves the whole province. The summary could be said like this: We want to be heard, feel safe, have a stable environment to enjoy our families in, and not be constantly looking over our shoulders. We want our council members to get along with each other and to take our concerns seriously. We also don’t want to be taxed out of house and home and forced to move to a new location. Those are also my concerns and priorities.
What experience, either professional, volunteer or personal, do you have that you believe would help you as a councillor?
My background is in Communications. I studied Anthropology, Psychology, Journalism, Writing and Media. I was a teacher for about 20 years and have worked with many nationalities throughout my time at home and abroad. All of these contribute to a better understanding of how people think, and what motivates them. I speak Chinese too, enough to get by with – though I’m not sure how handy that will be in our own municipality. It certainly can’t hurt.
If you could give voters in your ward one message before they cast their ballots, what would it be?
For those who voted for me – thank you. For those who didn’t – you still did alright.
Ward 1 — Leonard Foster
WHY RUN: I recently completed a two year term of Lakeland Ridges as Mayor. I obviously did not win the election and wish the new Mayor and Council the best. I did very much enjoy being part of the decision making process (in consultation with residents). I was also encouraged by some individuals to offer as a Councillor, whose opinions I respect.
WHAT DO I BRING: I became Mayor after the first Council had been put under supervision. During that period, I came to understand the CAO is supposed to operate the Municipality, the Mayor to conduct meetings and be the spokesperson (agree or not) for the decisions made by Council.
I fully agree with that scenario and feel that I can help the present Council with some of the issues they seem to be having in the beginning of their mandate. I can usually see both sides of a conversation and have the ability to make a decision on what could/would be the best outcome for Lakeland Ridges while also being aware of what people in Ward One would want. I can disagree but also keep a working relationship intact.
The new Council are all new (with the exception of one from Ward 4). There is benefit to history, you don’t have to agree, but at least hear why a decision was made. I believe I can offer that.
CHANGES: I would like to see the location of the Municipal Office put to bed once and for all. I favour keeping the Office in Meductic for several reasons, but if Council wants to move it back to Canterbury, I would respect that decision.. However, the decision needs to be based on fact, not hyperbole. That seems to be the main stumbling block for the present Council, and I feel that I can help.
On other things such as new garbage/circular material pick up, I agree. The Province is going to mandate composting pick up in the next year or so, and we need to be prepared. I also agree with the new Council doing a fire review. We need to do that with four fire departments spread over a large geographic area but with a small population. It will probably mean some changes and I believe I can help my Ward work through it if and when changes do come.
I would also like to see the Municipal monthly budget gain more emphasis at meetings, both for Councillors and for the general public. Recently, some major decisions were made that will be costly. The general public needs to be aware as taxation is the major way for Lakeland to raise revenue. There should be no guessing by the public as to how the Municipality plans on covering the costs.
EXPERIENCE:
- UNB with Bachelor of Education.
- Community College as Human Service Counsellor.
- Executive Director of the Community Residential Living Board in Woodstock for 20+ years. Recently became vice chair of the organization.
- Served on the LSD of North Lake for several years, both as Counsellor and Chair.
- Involved with local recreation as a volunteer.
- Captain of North Lake Fire.
- Sit on the Executive of the New Brunswick Association of Human Service Counsellors.
- Leonard Foster
Ward 3 — Eric Cummings
Why did you decide to run for council in Lakeland Ridges?
I was approached by a few people who asked me to consider running. I thought it over and looked at what was happening, or not happening, and decided I could make a difference.
What do you believe you can bring to council and to the community?
I have previous experience on council, and I know the community. Things are different now than when I served before. At that time, we were looking after the village. Now we’re looking after a much bigger geographic area and considerably more people.
I grew up in the village, and I now live on the outskirts, within what used to be the village limits. I’ve lived here all my life. I understand the needs here and how to address them.
Are there things you would like to see changed or improved in Lakeland Ridges? What would your priorities be?
We need to concentrate on the services people depend on, like policing and garbage disposal. There are certain things a municipality is responsible for, and those should be the priorities.
There seems to be a lot of in-house disturbance instead of putting the focus on what can benefit the people of Lakeland Ridges. We need to concentrate on the work we can do for residents.
I also think council meetings need to be more focused. When they drop the gavel to start the meeting, let’s stay on point and do what we need to do. Meetings shouldn’t have to go on for hours.
Committees should study the issues and bring the information back to council. Then we can look at whether we can do something and vote on it.
What experience, either professional, volunteer or personal, do you have that you believe would help you as a councillor?
I’ve been a councillor before. It’s been a while, but I have that previous experience.
I’ve also been in the trucking business for more than 30 years and have people working for me. I grew up here and have spent my life in this community. With my business experience and time on council, I understand local needs and how to address them.
If you could give voters in your ward one message before they cast their ballots, what would it be?
My phone’s always open. If people have concerns, I want to hear them. If I’m elected, I want to hear what people want and be straightforward with them.
I believe in being direct and getting to the point. That’s how I think council should work, too: stay focused, get the information we need and make decisions.
Ward 3 — Mike MacIlroy
Being involved with the Meductic Memorial Park and Entertainment committees I discovered how much that I enjoy working with others for the betterment of the community.
Thirty-five years in the Royal Canadian Air Force has shaped not only my professional life but also my character, teaching me the value of integrity, discipline, and teamwork.
As a councillor for Ward 3, I look forward to listening to the concerns of the community and bringing them forward. I am also eager to work alongside the Lakeland Ridges Council to advance our municipal objectives.
As a superintendent in the RCAF I collaborated with other Units across the country to achieve our training and aircraft maintenance goals. On the personal side, I have led and worked with groups to support the Scouting movement as well as the RCMP Stetsons and Spurs. As a Veteran, I have been honoured to deliver the annual Remembrance Day presentation to my community for over ten years.
Vote for me, and I will work for you.
Voter information
Advance polls will be open Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Ward 1 residents can vote at the North Lake Community Centre, while Ward 3 residents can vote at the Meductic Community Centre.
Election day is Monday, Oct. 19, with polls open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters should check their voter information cards for their assigned polling location.
People can also vote by special ballot at any returning office until Monday, Oct. 19; these offices are open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 650 Main Street in Woodstock.
Any voter who is unable to leave home or is hospitalized and cannot attend the advance or ordinary polls may request that the returning office for their municipal region bring a special ballot to them.
For more information, call Elections New Brunswick’s main office at 1-888-858-VOTE (8683).
