Southern Victoria 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.
MAYORAL CANDIDATES
Cindy D. McLaughlin
Why are you reoffering?
I am running to be re-elected as Mayor for Southern Victoria because my work is unfinished. I would like to continue to complete projects that we have started and continue to make further improvements for our community in all aspects. I am deeply invested in our community and want to see economic growth, improvements in healthcare, and having more resources available to the people. Southern Victoria is my home and I want it to be the best it can be, for everyone.
What do you believe makes you stand out as a candidate?
Something that I feel makes me stand out as a candidate is my experience over the years as both the Mayor of Southern Victoria and as a councillor, I have made connections over this time as well as started projects I would like to continue working on. My education is also in business administration and accounting which I feel is an asset when aiding in financial decision-making for the community. A significant portion of the money comes from the taxpayers and they deserve to have a Mayor that has financial intellection.
What do you see as your municipality’s biggest challenge?
A couple of our biggest challenges our municipality faces is healthcare and housing, which is something I feel we struggle with as a whole province. In our area we have a shortage of family providers (physicians/nurse practitioners), as well as other medical staff. While I am very thankful for the providers we do have, we have an aging population, and hundreds of individuals do not have a family doctor. Lack of family providers also puts a strain on our Emergency Department, causing increased wait times and adding additional strain on staffing.
As mentioned above, available housing is an issue both locally and province wide. It has been reported that the waitlist for public housing has reached an all-time record high of over 14,000 people. I have personally aided in the housing crisis as I have most recently been working with social development to provide affordable housing to seniors and families and will continue to do so.
What do you think your biggest challenge will be during the campaign?
I believe one of my biggest challenges during this campaign (something all candidates struggle with) is that some voters may not know you personally and strictly react to the assumption they have on you based on others’ opinions, whether the information is correct or not.
Tamara Titus McPhail
Why are you running?
I’m running because I believe our community deserves steady, thoughtful leadership that puts people first. I’ve seen what works in local government, and I’ve also seen where we can do better. This isn’t about starting over, its about building on what we’ve done well and leading with fairness, transparency, and a clear understanding of how municipal government actually works. I care deeply about this community, and I’m ready to step forward and lead in a way that brings people together and moves us forward.
What sets me apart is my experience and my approach. I understand municipal governance, not just the ideas, but how decisions are made within the legislation we operate under. I don’t come in with a personal agenda, I come in with a commitment to work with council, respect different perspectives, and make decisions that are in the best interest of all of Southern Victoria.
What do you believe makes you stand out as a candidate?
I believe in a leadership style that is collaborative, not intimidating, where councillors feel supported, informed, and able to contribute. My strength is bringing people together and focusing on solutions, not division.
One of our biggest challenges is balancing growth and stability, making the right long-term decisions while being mindful of the pressures people are feeling today.
That includes managing important projects responsibly, ensuring people understand why decisions are being made, and maintaining trust in leadership. It also means addressing real issues in our community, like housing standards, safety, and supporting vulnerable residents, while making sure we’re planning for the future in a way that benefits everyone.
What do you think your biggest challenge will be during the campaign?
The biggest challenge in this campaign is cutting through uncertainty and making sure people have clear, accurate information. Campaigns can sometimes create confusion or concern, especially around big decisions or finances.
My focus is staying grounded, being accessible, and continuing to have honest conversations with residents. I want people to feel informed and confident in the direction we’re taking not pressured or uncertain.
At the end of the day, this campaign is about trust, and earning that trust through consistency, respect, and transparency.
Councillor at Large – 1 to elect
Rodney L. Brayall
Why are you running?
I’m running for councillor at large because I care deeply about this community and want to continue serving in a new way. After spending over 35 years in the federal public service, I believe it’s important to give back locally. I’m ready to listen to residents and help ensure their voices are reflected in the decisions that shape our community.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring 35+ years of experience engaging with the public, making fair and informed decisions, and upholding integrity and respect in everything I do. I also bring strong community involvement through years of coaching and volunteering. Most importantly, I bring a willingness to listen, ask questions, and work collaboratively to find practical, well-informed options for council to consider.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Quality of life. This is experienced through access to timely health care, good housing options, a place where everyone feels safe, and access to community recreation year-round. Addressing them starts with listening to the people who live and work here, understanding what’s working and what isn’t, and working together to explore realistic and effective solutions.
Jason Martin
Why are you running?
I am running for council because I care about the long-term health, safety, and growth of our community. I am interested in the recruitment and retention of our workforce. As a council member, I would work to support Southern Victoria as a place where people want to live, work, and raise families.
What do you bring to the council table?
I have spent 25 years supporting our community through public service, volunteerism, and leadership. I bring over 23 years of experience with the Department of Transportation, including the past four years as a Mechanic Supervisor. I have also proudly served as a Perth-Andover firefighter for nearly a decade. I am an active member of CUPE Local 1190 and have served for six years on the Perth-Andover Legion House Seniors Complex , as an executive board member. Looking ahead, I am committed to strong, practical leadership and representing the voices of our community on the municipal council.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
I would consider housing constraints as one of the biggest challenges that we are facing. Shortage of rental housing and smaller homes for newcomers is an issue.
Ward 1 – 1 to elect
Joe Gee
Why are you running?
I’ve spent my life working in and for this community, and over the years I’ve often been encouraged to step forward and run. I believe offering to run is a civic duty, just like voting. The more people who step up, the more choice we create, and that leads to stronger representation for everyone.
Southern Victoria is a great community with a rich history and a lot to offer. I want to be part of helping it become an even better place to live, work, and play by listening to residents, learning from others, and working together on practical, community-driven solutions.
What do you bring to council?
I bring representation grounded in real-life experience and strong community roots. I was born and raised in Carlingford, grew up on a potato farm, and I’ve built a career across agriculture, trades, education, tourism, and healthcare. That gives me the ability to connect with people from all walks of life.
I’m approachable, I listen, and most importantly, I’m present. You can’t represent people if you’re not part of the community. I’m here 365 days a year, talking to people, understanding their concerns, and staying connected.
I also bring a track record of community involvement, from local boards to initiatives like the Tomlinson Lake Hike to Freedom, which has helped promote our region’s history and tourism potential. I believe in building awareness, encouraging collaboration, and taking shared responsibility for moving our community forward.
What is the biggest challenge facing the community?
One of the biggest challenges is engagement. Too many people feel unheard or disconnected, and that leads to low participation and low voter turnout.
At the same time, we’re facing important issues like community safety, crime and addiction, and the need for stronger economic and tourism development. These aren’t problems that can be solved by one person or one group. They require open discussion and a community-wide approach.
I want to help create a culture where people feel heard, informed, and involved. When people are engaged, we make better decisions, build stronger connections, and create a safer, more vibrant community for everyone.
Todd McGuire
Why are you reoffering?
I’m running again because this isn’t just politics to me—it’s personal. This is home.
I’ve walked these roads, raised my family here, built relationships here, and stood with people through both the good seasons and the hard ones. I’ve seen the ebb and flow of our community literally sometimes during the “Flood Season”—times of growth, and times where we’ve had to fight just to hold on to what matters.
I’m not reoffering for a title—I’m reoffering because I care deeply about the direction of our municipality. I believe we need steady, grounded leadership that doesn’t waver with pressure, trends, or outside noise.
I’m running to serve, to listen, and to lead with integrity—because our community deserves someone who is present, proven, and committed for the long haul.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring real-life experience—not just talk.
I’ve spent years working with people from all walks of life. As a pastor and a business owner, I’ve learned how to listen, how to lead through conflict, how to make tough decisions, and how to care about people beyond just policy.
I bring: integrity – I say what I mean and stand by it; consistency – I don’t shift depending on the room; a servant’s heart – I’m here to serve, not to be served; and common sense leadership – practical solutions, not empty promises.
I’m not afraid to ask hard questions, but I also know how to work together to find real solutions.
At the end of the day, I bring a voice to the table that reflects the people of this community—not outside agendas.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
One of our biggest challenges right now is finding the balance between growth and sustainability.
We want to grow—we need new families, new businesses, and new opportunities. But at the same time, we can’t lose what makes our community home. We can’t allow growth to outpace our infrastructure, our services, or our ability to support the people already here.
We’re also facing challenges with infrastructure that needs attention, keeping our downtown and local economy strong, and making sure people feel heard and involved in decisions
But here’s what I believe: Our greatest challenge is also our greatest opportunity. If we approach this with wisdom, unity, and clear leadership, we can build something that not only works today—but lasts for generations.
Ward 2 – 3 to elect
Sheila E. Cummings
Why are you running/reoffering?
“Rooted in our community. Proven in service. Committed to our future.” That quote explains why I am re-offering for council. I have spent my whole life in Southern Victoria. Throughout those years, I have been a dedicated volunteer in our community. Those volunteer experiences include serving as a coach (Track and Field, Basketball, Softball), Chair of the Board of Future Footprints Family Centre, President of the River Valley Thunder Hockey Team, and Member of the Library Board and the Recreation Committee. I also volunteer at most events held within the Village. I believe in Southern Victoria. I want to continue to contribute to the planning and responsibilities required to ensure growth in our community. I believe that as we work together, we can make the future of Southern Victoria even brighter.
What do you bring to the council table?
I have experience serving on many boards and committees at the local, provincial, and national levels. I understand the time commitment necessary to be an effective Council member. I have served on the Village Council since 2016. During that time, I have served as Deputy Mayor for one term, as a Council Representative on the Regional Service Commission for one term, and as an alternate for the other terms. My experience on the Council will enable me to mentor new Council members.
During the past two years, I have served as the Chair of the UMNB (Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick) Health Committee. Through the work of this committee, we have brought major health concerns before the appropriate government officials. I am presently serving on the Ambulance Service Partnership Committee on behalf of UMNB.
My flexible work schedule allows me to attend meetings and conferences that many other council members cannot attend due to their work commitments. I am happy to attend these meetings and report back to the council with these important updates.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
There is not one single challenge facing Southern Victoria; there are many interrelated challenges. These include:
Health Care: Like all areas of Canada, we are experiencing a crisis in Health Care. We need to work together with local healthcare practitioners, the Department of Health, Horizon, Government Officials, and the Union of Municipalities of New Brunswick (UMNB). The priorities the UMNB Health Committee has identified are: Primary Care, Ambulance Service, Alternate Care, and Nursing Home Access. We have met with the Minister of Health and the Horizon Authorities and have expressed the needs across the province.
Public Safety: Our council has identified Public Safety as a priority. We held an initial meeting with community stakeholders. Sessions like this must continue as more plans need to be made and research conducted to address this concern successfully.
Housing: We are experiencing a shortage of affordable housing in Southern Victoria. We need to partner with developers and government programs to address this issue. We need safe, secure housing for seniors, young professionals, families, and the unhoused.
Industry/Employment: Our Industrial Park is nearing capacity. We need another location for Industry as well as an Incubator building to attract new businesses. Without this, we cannot employ our citizens. If they must go outside the community for work, they are less likely to return.
Team Work: Our Council needs to work as a team with the Village staff. Our residents need to be encouraged to team with staff and Council to meet the needs of the community
Financial Responsibility: Because of the rising costs of food, shelter, and other living expenses, we need to be fiscally responsible with Village finances.
Asset Management: We must continue to review our Asset Management Plan, ensure that buildings and other assets are properly maintained and replaced when necessary.
Community Engagement: One of the most important assets in our community is our citizens. We need to keep them engaged and ensure they feel appreciated. They must be informed about what is happening. They need to be reminded that the weekly newsletter and the website are good sources of information, and Council Meetings are open to the public. We need to encourage more citizens to come to the Council Meetings to observe and learn what is happening. More Public Engagement sessions need to be planned. Topics could include Health Care, Public Safety, Volunteer opportunities, services available within the community, and other concerns.
Youth: The youth in our community need to be more actively involved. It has been drawn to my attention that they would like to volunteer to help coach younger children, but feel the need for mentoring to feel more confident and prepared. We need a plan to regularly engage with the youth to determine how we can encourage their involvement in our community.
Tommy Dixon
Why are you running?
I am running for council to help move the village in a positive direction. We have tremendous opportunity and we need to capitalize on it. Priorities that come to mind are:
How do we grow our electric utility? Energy is hot. How do we increase and expand our utility? Partnerships? Customer acquisitions?
Promote a pro-business environment while incentivizing development and expansion. Leverage point 1 to achieve this goal.
Clean up derelict land. Make it more presentable. We are 14 years post flood and it’s time to make these lots more aesthetically pleasing.
Repairs to Fort Road and to ensure the completion of East Riverside Drive.
Community safety and well-being. Identify risks and find resolutions for improvement.
Listen to the residents and better the community.
What do you bring to the council table?
I feel that I bring experience, commitment and leadership to the council table. I have been an active volunteer in the community for many years. I was the SVHS girls head coach for two seasons, an assistant coach of the SVHS boys for one season. I volunteered at the PAMS breakfast program for 6 years, 2-3 times a month. I am currently completing my first year as a Rotarian. I served on council from 2008-2016 and I missed only a handful of meetings in that tenure. I was a member of many of the council committees during these 8 years. (Finance, Recreation, Tourism, Policy and By-Law, Fire Department Lotto, Gathering of the Scots liaison, and Light and Water Commission). I was on council during the devastating flood of 2012. I worked hand in hand with the village staff in the Emergency Operations Centre, as well as commuting individuals around town, working with the Red Cross and trying my best to help during these trying times. I am currently completing my second term on the Board of Directors for Kings Landing where I am on the collections committee and the senior board and personal committee. I am also a board member of Victoria Glen Manor. I serve as the treasurer, chair of the finance committee and a member of the VGM foundation. My commitment to the community is strong and I have and always will be very active in this regard.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Economic growth is what I feel is the biggest challenge facing our community. The steadily decline of businesses in our community is disheartening. To see what was a bubbling downtown with many mom-and-pop shops to what it is today is quite sickening. In my opinion, business builds businesses. If businesses can be successfully recruited, others follow suit, your community becomes then becomes a destination. Whether it be for tourism, all things commerce (grocery stores, hardware supplies), essential services, etc.. Some consider it competition, but the more selection available, the more attractive you become for people to visit for commerce and employment. This in turn builds population, which increases tax base, which allows for more community and economic development as well as services. And as the population and employment grows, the justification for provincial or federal services increases. This moves the needle from having to fight to justify services (such as hospital) to lobbying to increase services due to population shifts. Council was looking at a business development officer around 2015. I think it should be revisited with a base rate of pay and a bonus incentive program with performance metrics with key indicators such as business recruitment and expansion as an example.
Paul Legace
Why are you reoffering?
I am reoffering because, over the past three years on council, I have truly enjoyed serving our community. I have learned a great deal about our needs and challenges, and I know there is still more to learn. I remain committed to continuing that work and contributing to positive progress.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring experience, honesty, and a strong work ethic. It is easy to make promises during an election, but I believe in being realistic and accountable.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
Our community is facing several important challenges that require thoughtful planning and long-term commitment. We hear concerns about roads, healthcare, housing, and drugs, and these issues are being worked on. Progress takes time, as well as communication, teamwork, collaboration, funding, and approvals. I have learned the importance of patience and remain committed to moving these efforts forward.
Something that has been brought to my attention during this election is the presence of drugs in our community. I hear these concerns loud and clear. This is not an issue that will be solved overnight. My family lives here, just like yours, and while we all hope for a drug-free community, the reality is that this is a challenge many communities face. The people affected are not strangers; they are someone’s family members. Do I think I am going to be the one that cleans this up? No, but I would like to think I will be part of a council that starts making a difference in this area. I believe we need to focus on solutions that include support and rehabilitation, and work toward helping people rather than simply pushing them out.
We are also experiencing significant shortages in key areas, including doctors, healthcare providers, and teachers, among others. Addressing these gaps is essential to the long-term strength and well-being of our community, and it will require ongoing effort, collaboration, and strategic planning.
Daniel S. Sooley
Why are you running?
I am running for councillor for Southern Victoria because as a long-time resident, I truly value the strong sense of community and small-town values. Southern Victoria has lots to offer and even more potential ahead. We need more businesses, affordable housing, and better crime prevention. Enforcement of existing and new by laws will take time and lots of effort.
What do you bring to the council table?
I will bring a questioning attitude and a new voice to the council, working where the previous council left off. Working to improve Southern Victoria, being a volunteer Firefighter for 13 years, supporting our community and surrounding areas and will do the same if elected to council.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
As a first-time councillor, getting up to speed with the ongoing work and new work, working with the mayor and council to benefit Southern Victoria is my main objective.
NOTE: Council Ward 2 candidate Ethan Shaw did not respond to the River Valley Sun request.
Councillor Ward 3 – 1 to elect
Miranda L. Francis-Perley
Why are you running?
I have decided to run this term as I am passionate about helping my community and advocating for changes and improvements. I was born and raised in Tinker; my father grew up in Aroostook where I now reside, and I have attended all three schools within the village of Southern Victoria. With now raising a child of my own, I would love to see more access to programming, services, and events that can support our children and to get them outside and involved more in our community. I also see an extreme need for our elders in our community as well. I think it is also important that our elders have access to services and programming, so they can continue to age in our community and feel supported.
I also would love to see more art and culture in our community as we are a close-knit community that has a wide history within the different villages that make Southern Victoria who it is. I do not want that to be forgotten.
What do you bring to the council table?
I feel I bring a fresh perspective, and have a background of volunteering and supporting the community in different ways. I am not afraid to use my voice when I need to. I feel I can bring great value to council because I have many ideas and perspectives I feel I can bring to the table.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
I feel the biggest challenge facing our community is access to funding to help bring more programs, and events to our members free of charge. As we know, many of us are struggling with costs going up on everything and everyone should have access to free services within the community. I also would like to see more events and updates on existing structures within our community. We are now seen as one community, but that does not mean the existing villages and other residing parts should be forgotten on what they can offer. There are other community centers, play structures, sidewalks, roads, etc., that should be maintained and fixed.
Sara Plant
Why are you reoffering?
I am running again because I care deeply about our people and our community. I consider myself still optimistic and ready to learn more. I now have 7 years of experience under my belt and feel like I am just hitting my stride.
I was born and raised in Aroostook. Serving on Council during my first term felt personal because I was helping the place and people that raised me. I knew many residents not just as constituents, but as neighbours, friends, and family. That connection continues to matter to me.
In my second term came a major change, when several communities joined together to form the Regional Community of Southern Victoria. This transition has been challenging, but I believed it was important to stay involved and help our communities adjust and move forward together.
Through my time on Council and through my work in community outreach, I have seen how important Council decisions are to everyday life, especially for those who are struggling. I am running again because I want to continue being a voice for people who may not always feel heard and to help build a community that supports everyone.
What do you bring to the council table?
I bring hard work, honesty, and a strong commitment to helping people, especially those who need it most.
I work as a Licensed Practical Nurse in harm reduction with the Neqotkuk First Nations. In my outreach role, I work closely with people facing real challenges, including lack of housing, difficulty finding work, mental health struggles, and substance use disorders. This work has given me a deep understanding of how hard life can be for some community members and how important it is that no one is left behind.
Housing and employment are real concerns in our region. I see firsthand how a lack of stable housing or job opportunities affects people’s health, dignity, and hope for the future. These experiences guide how I think about decisions at the Council table and remind me that policies should always consider the people they affect.
I also believe in being involved and giving back. I volunteer as: hockey manager for the Southern Victoria Lady Vikings; crew head for the Larlee Creek Hullabaloo; and a volunteer in school programs, including breakfast programs and many other student activities.
These roles keep me connected and grounded in what families and young people need in order to thrive.
I show up, I listen, and I follow through. I am honest, reliable, and accountable. I believe people deserve a councilor they can trust.
What do you see as the biggest challenge facing your community?
One of our biggest challenges is bringing our communities together and making sure everyone feels supported.
Amalgamation brought different communities together, each with their own needs and concerns. It can sometimes feel difficult for people to feel heard or for Council and residents to feel united.
Another major challenge is making sure we are doing enough to help those who are struggling, whether that means access to housing, employment opportunities, or community support. These issues do not affect just one group; they affect families, seniors, youth, and workers across our entire region. Our families, our seniors, and our youth.
I believe strongly in transparency, open communication, and working together with compassion. Council decisions should be made with people in mind. I want to be part of building trust, encouraging unity, and finding practical ways to support everyone in our community.
This community is my home. I care deeply about its people, its future, and about making sure everyone has a fair chance to succeed. I believe strong communities are built when we look out for one another. I still have a lot to offer, and I would be honoured to continue serving the Regional Community of Southern Victoria with honesty, compassion, and dedication.
