By Mark Squibb/September 9, 2021
Bay Bulls Mayor Harold Mullowney has put his name forward for council once more.
“There was a number of projects that we had underway the last few years, and not all of them have reached completion, so I’d like to see some of those through,” said Mullowney. “For example, there was road work that was started and planned. Some is done, some is yet to be done. So, I’m hopeful that will get completed this coming year. We’ve done a lot of work on our strategic plan, there are a number of initiatives there that need to be actioned, and we have a number of very significant projects that are in the wings that I would like to see through to completion.”
As to what those significant projects might be, Mullowney said that he could not discuss the details any further.
“I would love to give you some of that right now, but unfortunately, I can’t, because some of it is contingent on monies from various levels of government, and as you know we’re in the middle of an election cycle, so I can’t comment on what has or has not been approved at this point,” said Mullowney. “But suffice to say, there are a number of fairly big projects that I think we’re going to get off the ground in the next few months.”
Some of the roads that Mullowney wants to see completed include Irish Town Road, and Northside Road, amongst others.
Ten people, including Mullowney, have put their names forward for council, which means that come election day, Bay Bulls will have a full complement of councillors, something it has lacked for the last three or so years.
“It’s always good to have a full complement, because it gives you wiggle room when it comes to committee work, and it also gives you a better chance of achieving quorum, especially in a small town where everyone is related to somebody,” said Mullowney.
He said he fully anticipated that folks would put their names forward; his concern, however, is that folks might not stick around once they get elected.
“The unfortunate thing is that we’ve filled positions before, only to have people, before their term is up, walk away and say, ‘I never imagined this job was as intense as it is,’” said Mullowney. “So, it would be great to fill those positions, but hopefully those individuals who do fill them will have the commitment and dedication to last out the four years.”
Mullowney said that sometimes it is simply a matter of someone underestimating the amount of time and work required.
“As I say to anyone that’s running, this is a job that requires dedication and commitment and presence,” said Mullowney. “You can’t drop in and drop out. Many hours a week are often required to see this job through to the end.”
Mullowney himself has been around the block quite a few times. This year marks his thirty-first on council, and many of those years were spent as either deputy mayor or mayor.
“I have the time, the energy, the commitment, and the dedication to do the job,” said Mullowney. “I’ve been doing it for many years, and as long as the people want me to continue in that capacity and my health and strength remains, I will do so.”
Once the election concludes on September 28, council will select a mayor from amongst the seven people elected. Usually the position is awarded to the person drawing the most votes.
