By Staff/August 26, 2021
Mount Pearl’s contest for mayor will be at least a two-man race with the filing of nomination papers by long time community volunteer Roy Locke on Tuesday.
Incumbent Mayor Dave Aker is also seeking election.
Locke said he is making the run with the encouragement and support of his family, friends and business associates.
Locke, who has run a number of times in provincial elections for the NDP in the past, said he loves Mount Pearl and knows it well and is ready to help the city get “back on track.”
“I want to re-open the doors at City Hall,” said Locke. “Over the past few years there seems to be a real disconnect between City Hall and the community. We need to turn that around. We need to truly engage citizens. The only way a mayor can effectively govern is with the people’s support, participation and respect. We need new leadership in the mayor’s office. I would like to restore respect and pride in our great city. We need more openness and transparency between City Hall and taxpayers. The mayor and council need to always remember where the money comes from. It is from the taxpayers’ pockets. With over fifty million dollars being spent in our city annually, taxpayers have a right to know more about how their hard-earned money is being managed. I feel I am the right person to provide the leadership needed to accomplish these goals. It’s time for change at City Hall.”
Locke is the president of Pearl Entertainment and Promotions and a long time member of the Mount Pearl Kinsmen. He has also volunteered with the Frosty Festival and other civic groups.
Locke said the City needs more business sense around the council table. “We need to manage tax dollars wisely,” says Locke. “There are infrastructure needs that need to be addressed. From roads and sidewalks to fleet and underground infrastructure, there is always lots of work to be done. Taxpayers have to be at the centre of all spending decisions. And there needs to be better communication with citizens – taxpayers need to know what’s happening at City Hall. After all, it is their money.”
