Hartland voters go to the polls on May 11
The following are responses to questions sent to each candidate from the River Valley Sun. Their answers are unedited. Thanks to reporter James Ness for gathering the responses.
MAYOR
Tracey DeMerchant – Incumbent/Acclaimed
“It is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity of serving the Town of Hartland as Mayor for another term. With the team of a committed council, outstanding administrative staff and employees, we’ve seen growth and improvements in services for our municipality. With the cooperation of our generous citizens and business community, Hartland will be able to offer even more to its residents and tourists. As a smaller municipality, it’s especially important to be fiscally responsible. With aging infrastructure, it’s certainly a challenge.
Having grown up and lived in many of the surrounding former LSDs (Ashland, Armond, Windsor), I understand the value and pride of the names and identities of those home bases. Anyone who has the opportunity to represent their fellow residents in these Wards does so with the same pride and loyalty. It also takes courage and strength to step up to that role. I congratulate all those who endeavour to serve as council members. They choose to give their time and effort for the betterment of their neighbours, friends and the greater, larger municipality of Hartland.”
Councillor At Large
Stewart Fairgrieve – Incumbent
I have always been involved in my community as a volunteer, organizer and member of the business community. I see Councillor at Large as a continuation of that involvement. I feel our community is growing, and essentially, I want to see that continue. As a two-time councillor and deputy mayor, I feel a continuation of the work that needs to be done following COVID is important. Our new community centre is online and providing expanded services to residents. We have been able to hold the line on taxes and are greatly expanding protective services. I bring a knowledge of the community, experience and integrity to the role and respectfully ask for the community’s support.
Tanya Hawkes
Why are you running?
I am a community person. My parents were great influences on me with their volunteerism. My father and sister Kathy, were both on the Town Council. I was on the Town Council in early 2000 as well. I was the Recreation Director for the Town of Hartland for multiple years, and I worked on many programs and community developments. I was part of the Day and Ross Center committee, working with great people to get our new facility open. One development that I worked on as a recreation director was a hopeful waterfront development. I am ecstatic that the Town developed a plan to develop the waterfront. If elected, I would love to be a part of the committee to see its finish. I am running because I love this community. I want to see our region develop and grow, but still maintain the values that make us unique and stay strong. I want to be a voice for our region and be available to anyone who needs their voice to be heard.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring a different piece to the table. I worked for the Town of Hartland for several years, as a youth at the Hartland Pool as a lifeguard, worked in the recreation department in the summers as a program coordinator, and worked as the Recreation Director for 11 years. Through my experience working for the Town, I have had an inside view of how the Town operates. Working side by side with Public Works, the Town Hall, and the Library, while leading the recreation department, I was able to learn from each member of our staff management and several councils. I am also a volunteer. I have been part of many committees throughout the years. I have been on the Potato Festival for 20 + years and the NB Day Committee for almost 10 years. I can work well within a group, offering suggestions, and following through on any work that needs to be done.
Emily Nigro
Why are you running?
I am running for Council because I want to support the community that has become my home. Hartland residents deserve a strong, constant advocacy at the Council table. I am a great listener and can remain objective when making decisions. I am not afraid to ask tough questions and speak up about issues that our community is passionate about.
What do you bring to the council table?
As a Council member, you are required to understand how the town works from multiple angles in order to make educated decisions that are best for the whole community. After founding the Hartland Farmers Market in 2024, I have a clear understanding of what small businesses, residents and tourists are looking for in the town. I have extensive leadership experience managing small businesses, participating as a board member for other organizations and volunteering as an instructor for The New Brunswick Wildlife Association.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
In speaking with the community, there is a theme that keeps arising. Many people have deep roots in Hartland and love the local community. As the town changes over time, it is important that the whole community is represented fairly. I would like to help facilitate better communication with the Town Council and balance the needs of the community as a whole.
Lee Patterson – Incumbent
Why are you running/reoffering?
I am running for re-election because I am deeply committed to the progress of our community. It is crucial to be fiscally responsible and address current inflation challenges while fostering growth and maintaining infrastructure. Drawing on my experience serving on previous terms, I aim to make informed decisions that benefit the community as a whole rather than individual needs.
What do you bring to the council table?
With 25-plus years of residency in the community and 20 years of experience in the public sector, I have built strong relationships and understand the concerns of the residents. My background in running businesses has equipped me with valuable skills in budgeting, investing, and human resource management, which are essential for effective governance. I prioritize listening to the community, aligning their needs with available resources, and creating plans that are sustainable and inclusive.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
The most pressing challenge for rural communities like ours is inflation, which impacts the cost of living and essential services. Balancing the need for fiscal responsibility, all while investing in programs, infrastructure, safety, and housing, is a delicate task. Encouraging growth and seizing opportunities to generate revenue is vital for the community’s well-being. Making tough decisions guided by community input, strategic planning, and transparent communication is key to addressing these challenges effectively.
Ward 1
Jason Smith (acclaimed)
Why are you reoffering?
When ELG set out to reform local governance, I was asked to sit on the committee that drew our communities together as the Municipality of Hartland. Several committee members from our rural communities, as well as citizens, asked me if I would represent them and our perspectives within local government. I agreed to do that and have been passionate that all views from each ward be represented fairly, which is why I voted for a ward and at large electoral system. It provides balance to our council and community. I chose to engage in a second term to continue the critical work for our constituents and the work of growing our community.
What do you bring to the council table?
As a community member, I bring 27 years of professional experience in public education, public relations, human relations, financial oversight, setting strategic organizations goals and achieving them. In addition, I have served on various volunteer boards with recreation and senior care along with several professional committees that involved deep understanding and application of legal aspects that pertains to the work done as a councillor and other professional/organizational obligations. I am a passionate community member who believes in public service, volunteerism and that our head, heart, health and hands are meant for greater service to our community and country.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
As we look to the next four years in Hartland, we need strong voices and work ethic to champion health care initiatives and service for our hospital that serves roughly 45,000 citizens locally, steady infrastructure, affordable housing, business and industrial growth as well as recreational and tourism based focus for our community. We need community input and support setting priorities and accomplishing them together for the greater good of our community.
In conclusion, I would like to say it has been a pleasure serving my community and ensuring we served our community in a fiscally responsible manner, keeping taxes as low as possible while seeing steady, sustainable growth for our citizens. I was married in our community 28 years ago and have worked, raised a family and established strong roots in Hartland. My children have chosen to call this their home by returning after their formal education and beginning their professional careers in our valley. I am proud to call Hartland home.
Ward 2
George Boone – Incumbent
Why are you running/reoffering?
My motivation for seeking re-election as Councillor for Ward 2 in Hartland comes from a genuine desire to serve and give back to the community that shaped me. I was born and raised in Hartland, and the people, opportunities, and experiences in this town have played a defining role in who I am today. Serving on the Town Council is, to me, the most meaningful way to give back and help guide the future of Hartland.
What do you bring to the council table?
Coming from a business and entrepreneurship background, I bring a practical, common-sense approach to council work. I look at each decision by asking how it adds value and makes everyday life better for people in Hartland. As someone who’s lived here all my life, I’m fully committed to seeing Hartland continue to grow, thrive, and stay strong.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
With rising costs affecting municipalities everywhere, fiscal responsibility is more important than ever. Council must focus on getting the best value from every dollar spent, ensuring taxpayer money is used wisely and in ways that truly benefit the people of Hartland.
Greg Crouse
I am re-offering for council after being away for 5 years because I enjoyed my time on council. Municipal politics is more fulfilling than provincial or federal politics because you can actually make changes without so much red tape, and you see the changes much quicker.
What do I bring to the table? I’ve spent the last 20 years of my professional career standing up for people who weren’t able to. I feel that I’m a good listener, and I’m able to stand back and evaluate issues and work with others to come up with solutions to the problem. I’m not afraid to go against the grain when needed to deal with tough challenges.
One of the biggest challenges I see with my community is the lack of services for residents and tourists. We host tens of thousands of tourists every year, and there are limited services along the waterfront. When I was on council, we had plans to revitalize the waterfront, and it’s time that we put those plans in motion.
Ward 3
Sam Walton – Incumbent
Why are you reoffering?
I’m seeking a second term because I truly love the community of Hartland. I’ve lived here my entire life, and I can’t imagine calling anywhere else home. We’re a small community with a big heart, and I want to continue helping shape its future.
Over the past three and a half years, council has accomplished a great deal, and there are many important projects still ahead. I want to be part of seeing those through. I also want Hartland to remain a place where my kids—and future generations—can live, work, and grow.
We can’t be afraid of growth, but we also can’t lose sight of the values that make our community what it is.
What do you bring to the table?
I bring a fresh perspective backed by real experience and proven results. I’ve been involved in this community my entire life, and I understand the challenges we face.
Through my work on the Policing and Public Safety Committee and the Finance and Infrastructure Committee, I’ve gained hands-on experience in some of the most important areas affecting our residents.
Most importantly, I’m someone people can trust to put the community first. Since joining council, I’ve made it a priority to ensure my ward is heard and represented, and I will continue to be a strong, reliable voice for the people I serve.
What are the biggest challenges facing our community?
I see four main challenges facing Hartland:
First, managing growth while staying fiscally responsible.
During my first term, we’ve been able to build up reserves in both general and operating funds while keeping tax rates as low as possible. That balance is critical moving forward.
Second, access to healthcare.
Attracting and retaining family physicians and nurse practitioners is a major priority. Council has taken this seriously—we’ve pushed the province for clear plans on expanding services and created a dedicated committee focused on recruitment.
Third, public safety and policing costs.
Currently, about 28% of our $4 million budget goes toward RCMP services, one of the highest ratios in the province. As part of the Policing and Public Safety Committee, I’ve worked to hold the RCMP accountable and push for better service—but there’s still more work to do.
Finally, road conditions in Ward 3.
Many of our roads are in unacceptable condition. While this is a provincial responsibility, residents still expect safe infrastructure. A significant portion of our tax dollars (.41 cents out of every dollar) goes to road maintenance, yet many roads remain unsafe. I’ve been vocal with the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, and I will continue to push for the improvements our community deserves.
Charlie Webber
I was approached by members of our municipality – mostly “outbackers” – who wanted a voice on the Town Council, and so I took on the task. I will give them the representation that they were deprived of on the current council. There are too many challenges to list, but if elected to the council, I will address what I am capable of.
