Mark Squibb / August 4, 2023
Witless Bay councillor Nancy Burke tendered her resignation from council this week, citing acceptance of a full-time permanent teaching position that will require her to relocate.
“While I am excited about the move forward in my teaching career, I do regret having to leave council before accomplishing the things that I came here to do,” Burke wrote in a social media post. “As a result of my 6-month leave of absence and the significant staffing challenges that we faced as Witless Bay Town Council, it was difficult to make traction and get things done the way that all of us were hoping to. However, I do believe that we have accomplished a lot since coming on board. I feel that our community has come together beautifully and we are moving in a positive direction!”
Burke’s resignation came just two days ahead of a nomination day, held yesterday, to fill the seat of Alex Troake, who quit council back in April. That means the by-election will be used to plug two holes in the seven-person chamber.
Burke was elected to council in September 2021. Of the 13 residents who put their names forward for election, Burke earned the third most votes, coming in at 468. Burke chaired the recreation committee and served as the Town’s liaison with the Bay Bulls to Bauline Athletic Association (BBBAA). She was one of only three councillors, along with Ralph Carey and Jacob Hayden, who supported funding increases that had been requested by the BBBAA. Those increases were voted down by the rest of council, who have yet to sign a new MOU with the organization, the former MOU having expired at the close of 2022.
Burke, who was not available for an interview as she was busy packing and preparing for the new job, encouraged folks to put themselves forward for nomination.
The Irish Loop Post reached out to several residents and former candidates ahead of nomination day but could not confirm whether anyone would be putting their name forward.
