Deputy mayor and mayor battle for top spot in Corner Brook
Linda Chaisson has been a city councillor in Corner Brook for 16 years and currently sits as its deputy mayor, but this summer she's running against Mayor Jim Parsons for the top seat.
Chaisson says it's because she feels the city council needs to be more transparent with its tax payers.
"I want to move the city in a different direction. I want to use the philosophy of team approach. I want to work with everybody and move our city to being more sustainable and prosperous," Chaisson told CBC news.
As a retired teacher who raised her family in Corner Brook, she says she has always been the people's voice at the table, taking their concerns to city hall, and hopefully getting them the answers they were seeking.
"I am here for the residents," she said.
Jim Parsons has been mayor for the last eight years, and he says the city has never been more transparent.
"I don't think there is anything to complain about from the deputy's perspective," Parsons said during an interview at city hall.
"I think city hall is more transparent now than it's ever been in the city's history."
Parsons says since he took over, the city publishes more information and makes all agenda packages public. He says the councillors used to meet behind closed doors every week and he put an end to that system. City council meetings are also recorded and available live for the public's viewing.
The city council in Corner Brook has been divided on issues before, and Chaisson believes it's time for Parsons to go.
Chaisson says if she is elected mayor on Oct. 2 she will implement large town hall meetings where residents can partake in open discussion about city issues.
"I want to open the doors and say this is your city hall, you are paying the taxes in here, you're keeping everything afloat," she said. "You should be here to tell us what we can do better and how we can improve and if we are doing a really good job, come in and let us know."
While it is still very early in the campaign, Chaisson wants to get her burgundy and green posters ready for what she expects will be a busy summer speaking with residents and gathering votes.
There was speculation over the winter that Parsons was interested in joining the provincial Conservatives to run against Liberal MHA Gerry Byrne in the upcoming provincial election. However, Parson said his plans have changed and he announced his re-election campaign for the mayor's seat a week ago, a day before Chaisson planned to announce her intentions.
"I'll never rule out jumping to a provincial race. The right opportunity hasn't really availed itself just yet," Parsons said.
He says being mayor of Corner Brook is never boring, and believes he's had big success with the new Jubilee Field complex, the new turf at Doug Sweetapple Field and the biggest project, the new Marina Redmond recreation complex that just recently opened.
"My reputation has been a good one. We will see how it goes," he said.
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