By Chris Lewis/August 12, 2021
Surrounded by politics most of her life, Chelsea Lane is hoping to use that influence to make a difference in Mount Pearl.
Her dad, Paul Lane, has served as MHA for the Mount Pearl-Southlands district for about a decade now, and before that on city council. But 26-year old Chelsea has her own reasons for running.
Lane has lived in Mount Pearl her whole life and is raising her 8-month old daughter there. Raising her own family in in the city is a large part of the reason she wants to get involved in municipal government, she said. As a substitute teacher and a young mother, Lane said she has a fresh perspective to bring to the council chambers.
Lane has, so far, been teaching mostly at O’Donel and Mount Pearl Intermediate.
While she does not have a direct history in politics herself, Lane said she has grown up with politics in the background.
“It’s always been a part of my life in that way,” she said. “It’s always challenging to come out and try something new in life, but I’m really excited about getting my word out there and the prospect of joining council. The nerves are there, but I’m confident.”
Lane described her father as a great role model, but is excited about the idea of showing voters that she is her own person, and that she has plenty to offer.
Lane said she is pleased with the City’s programs and services, but allowed there is still room for changes and improvement.
If elected, Lane said, her priorities would include ensuring the City maintains a focus on youth and families, environmental sustainability, and inclusivity.
“It’s important to work with our business community to grow our commercial tax base, and to make sure we keep reviewing our municipal programs to ensure they’re not just efficient but cost-effective,” she said. “And of course, keeping taxes as low as possible for our residents.”
Lane said she would be excited to work as part of a team that is capable of making significant changes.
Lane announced her candidacy on Aug. 4. Although there has not been much time to knock on doors and solicit input since then, she said she already has an idea of what the city needs.
Lane said she has received messages of support, specifically from other young mothers who are excited to see someone they can relate put their name forward in politics.
“As a mother, one thing that really stands out to me right now is Mount Pearl’s playgrounds,” she said. “A lot of our playgrounds are a bit run-down and some are vandalized. If you travel across the province, even some smaller communities have just beautiful playgrounds … I think Mount Pearl could improve in that way, and make sure the kids here have a safe place to play.”
Lane said she has recently started walking more along the city’s trails, often with her grandmother. One key issue she saw while out doing that is the trails system’s lack of benches and places to catch a break.
“Especially for our seniors,” she said. “They need to be able to sit down and take a break while they’re out and about. Those are just some smaller things, but definitely things that stood out to me that I feel the City could work on.”
