Councillor Donna Reardon is hoping to earn a new title in this spring’s upcoming municipal elections.
She’s the first person to toss her name into the ring to replace Don Darling as the mayor of Saint John.
Reardon was first elected to council in 2012 and has been in the role ever since.
“I’ve got nine years’ experience. I like to think I bring a reasonable voice to the table, and I have always been someone at council who has advocated an investment for people,” Reardon said.
Looking back on her role as a councillor, she cites the city’s current long-term financial planning and framework as part of her highlights around the council table.
“As a councillor, my priority was the ward to an extend,” Reardon said. “As a mayor, your scope is obviously the entire city, but I think there’s a real leadership role of building and empowering your team.”
The incumbent councillor for Ward 3 has said she’d like to continue carrying out the policies and vision put in place by the outgoing council.
“I want to make sure that they’re fostered going forward, and we keep rolling with change and reinventing ourselves,” said Reardon.
Among the accomplishments, she lists the recent funding announcement of the Fundy Quay. Reardon believes the ability to work with federal and provincial governments is an important quality she can bring to the table.
“To have a strong municipality strengthens the province, so how do we work with the province?” she said. “Looking at working with the province and the federal government can ensure you get a federal development.”
Nominations for the upcoming election are due by April 9, and the election will take place on May 10.
