By Mark Squibb/August 19, 2022
For the first time in over three decades, Harold Mullowney won’t be putting his name forward as a council candidate.
A call for nominations to Bay Bulls council has been scheduled for August 24, following the resignation of Mayor Neil O’Brien earlier this summer.
“No,” Mullowney said with a hearty chuckle when asked if he would be putting his name forward. “I’m enjoying my time. I was there for over 30 years, I enjoyed it while I was there, no problem. I said, if you recall, when they had the last election, ‘I hope they have the dedication and commitment to do the job that the people of Bay Bulls deserve.’ And I also said that they need to do nothing for the first year and a half or two years but execute the work that we have lined up.”
Mullowney spent 31 years on council, many of those as either deputy mayor or mayor. In the municipal election held last September, Mullowney earned 243 votes — 21 votes less than he needed to land a seat. Because council had earlier in the year sought ministerial approval to operate as a complement of five members, and not the traditional seven, only five members were elected, a decision that caused some controversary at the time.
Had a full slate of seven members been elected, Mullowney would have earned a seat. Instead, all incumbent members of council were voted out of office, and five new members were voted in.
For those thinking of putting their names forward, Mullowney offered some advice.
“I think anyone who runs for elected office has to realize that it’s a big job, and you’ve got to have your heart in it, you’ve got to be committed to the people, and you’ve got to be there for the right reasons,” said Mullowney. “And if you can’t do that, you have no business, really, putting your name forward.”
Aside from council, Mullowney also recently finished up a term as chairman of the Eastern Regional Services Board (ERSB), although he’s still involved in a number of organizations, including the East Coast Trail Association.
And although he’s sitting out this race, he didn’t shut the door completely on municipal politics.
“I’m enjoying my time free from council at this point in the game,” said Mullowney. “My wife is quite pleased that I’m stepping aside from a few things. But you know, who knows what the future will bring. You can always change your mind.”
