Newly-Acclaimed Town Councillor Looks Forward to Second Term

MULGRAVE - One of two incumbent town councilors recently re-elected by acclamation in Mulgrave says she's "relieved" that she won't have to figure out how to conduct a campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Tanya Snow joined fellow incumbent Bob Russell and political newcomers Krista Luddington and Crystal Durling as acclaimed candidates when the nomination deadline for Mulgrave's municipal elections passed in the late afternoon hours of September 8. Since no other candidates put forth their names for the October vote, that means the town now has a full council complement, although voters will still have to choose before former mayor Lorne MacDonald and two-term councilor Ron Chisholm to see who will wind up as Mulgrave's mayor later this fall. 

Speaking to TELILE 24/7 host-producer Adam Cooke, Snow spoke enthusiastically about working with her council colleagues this term, particularly newcomers Luddington and Durling, who will be officially sworn into their posts in late October. She also praised the town's Chief Administrative Officer, Darlene Berthier-Sampson, describing her as "one of the best people I have ever met" and applauding her tenacity and resourcefulness during the two years that Berthier-Sampson has held Mulgrave's top non-elected post.

Although outgoing Mayor Ralph Hadley recently stated that he "doesn't like acclamations" and expressed disappointment that those vying for town council were not able to further articulate their positions and platforms in front of the electorate, Snow praised Hadley for his diligent work during his single term as mayor and his many years as a town councilor. She added that Hadley had taken her "under his wing" and given her support and encouragement when Snow was first elected to Mulgrave Town Council in 2016.

Snow also expressed hope that the former school building now known as Mulgrave Memorial Centre will continue to attract new tenants and serve as a community hub. As the operator of the volunteer-driven, not-for-profit Scotia Cafe during the past four months, Snow predicted that the one-time school site will help Mulgrave continue to grow as a community.