Councillors were byelection rivals, but mayor says that won't impede council duties
Mayor says she hopes new MHA will listen and support the town's priorities
A week on from the Conception Bay East-Bell Island byelection, two of the candidates will soon return to work as councillors in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's.
Tina Neary was the selected candidate for the Progressive Conservatives Party. However, Darryl Harding, another candidate, criticized the Tories for choosing Neary over him, claiming there was no consultation with the PC's district association. Consequently, he chose to run as an Independent.
Both lost to Liberal candidate Fred Hutton and are expected to return to their councillor duties in Portugal Cove-St. Philip's.
CBC News requested interviews with Tina Neary and Darryl Harding, but according to the town's spokesperson, they were not available for comment.
Portugal Cove-St. Philip's Mayor Carol McDonald said Monday that the working environment on council hasn't been affected by any differences that surfaced during the byelection.
"We all got together," McDonald said. "We talked to one another even during the election. We discussed the dynamics of running the council and I just admire the councillor for not interfering in my choice."That choice was voting for Fred Hutton. She said that choice did not come because she was against the other candidates, but because Hutton is married to one of her relatives.
"Let me put it to you that way," she said. "Blood is thicker than water."
Neary polled 2,152 votes, placing second behind Hutton's 2,603 and well ahead of New Democrat Kim Churchill's 862 votes. Harding, who bolted from the PC district presidency over a disagreement with Leader Tony Wakeham's handling of the nomination process, placed last with 70 votes.
McDonald added that she congratulated the other candidates for running in the election.
"I mean, for them to put their name forward in a provincial election, you know, I guess they got their feet wet in politics and went for it. And I admire and commend them for stepping forward to represent the community."
McDonald said she didn't receive any calls or complaints regarding Harding, who was suspended last year from council committees and then from council itself amid investigations into his conduct, including complaints of harassment and sexual harassment. Harding said last month he has appealed those decisions in court.
While the councillors showcased their support for different parties through the byelection, McDonald says that this does not interfere with the town council's consensus.
She says the council remains focused on the town's priorities, which include addressing speeding on the roads, improving the water and sewage infrastructure, and bringing back a health clinic in the town.
"I'm looking forward to working at and getting the same representation from Fred Hutton as we got from David Brazil," she said. "We need some money from the government and I guess now is our time to to go after that."
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With files from The St. John's Morning Show
