By Mark Squibb/September 16, 2021
Witless Bay Mayor Derm Moran has not put his name forward for re-election in the upcoming municipal election, citing both his age and the difficulties of the position.
“The challenges are becoming somewhat more difficult,” said Moran, 71. “I hope that will change, but that’s all you can do… There has been character assassination, and I find that very difficult. I’m not a person to go that route.”
Moran who had served previously on council some years ago, including a stint as mayor, returned to municipal action in a 2019 by-election, following the resignations of then councillors Chris Brinston and Neil Stratton. When Mayor Rene Estrada retired later that year for health reasons, Moran was elected by the rest of council to the mayor’s seat.
“It’s my second time as mayor, and the reason I came back is pretty simple; to help the town if I could with whatever I might have to offer, and to be fair with everybody,” said Moran.
He regrets that construction of the new fire station did not begin under this term, though the hiring of the station’s first ever paid fire chief, Maria Churchill, was accomplished during his tenure.
Moran is also glad to see the town digitizing some of its files and switching some manual processes, such as payroll, to an online system.
There are 13 people running for a seat on council, and Moran warned each it is not an easy job, and often requires as many as 16 to 17 hours of work a week, which he said was a heavy load to carry, especially if you are also working another job.
Moran allowed that members of council ought to expect conflict from special interest groups in the community that are often at odds with decisions of council.
“It’s like other towns, you’re going to have a group or a person, that no matter what you do, you’re not going to satisfy them,” said Moran.
He reminded candidates to always keep in mind why they ought to run in the first place.
“No matter who you are, if you’re trying to return as councillor or if you’re new, the main thing, and this is why I went back on council, is to try and have everybody treated fairly and the same,” said Moran. “You’re there for the town, and the good of the town, and that’s the key, that should be at the forefront, the good of the town.”
Despite the challenges, Moran said he’s excited to see what the future has in store for Witless Bay.
That excitement was kindled Wednesday morning watching students return to St. Bernard’s Elementary.
“I’ve been here 47 years, and I remember looking down at the school and not seeing any youngsters out playing,” said Moran. “This morning, it was lined off from the top of the hill, and if there wasn’t over one hundred cars, it’s no man’s business. I could see them from the window here all last year out playing, like little lambs going around, and I thought how cool that is.”
As for Moran, he’s going to enjoy all the bustle and activity from the sidelines.
“The new council will have challenges,” said Moran. “We’ve had challenges, and it’s not something that’s going to go away. But that’s not for me now. I’m going to in go in and pick some berries and go hunting. I love to hunt rabbits, and moose, and please God, I’ll get a crack at trouting again.
