Meeting the candidates in the runnnig for the Gambo's upcoming byelection, scheduled for Oct. 16.
Related: Gambo to hold byelection for three seats
For Mayor
Name: Craig Lush
Work: Gambo business owner
Volunteer: Town council, involved with numerous projects and committees
My goal as mayor will be to work with existing issues with infrastructure, as well as an issue I feel is one of our biggest concerns, which is water. I plan to keep lobbying with government on all levels until a solution is there. I will, as I have done in the past, continue to promise to be your voice.
Name: Barbara Pritchett
Work: Safety advisor and a funeral director with J.I. Pritchett & Sons.
Volunteer: One year on council, involved with numerous committees. Chair of the Smallwood Era Development Corporation, involved with Kids Eat Smart program at Smallwood Academy. Organizer of the Verna Lush Memorial Fit for Kids Challenge.
I chose to run for mayor because I enjoy involvement in the community and I feel that I have the skills to serve the town properly. I am not afraid to make tough decisions, to stand up for people, and to be accountable to them. I have strong managerial and organizational skills and have the ability to work well with people. I am solution oriented. I have good communication skills and believe in promoting communications between council and citizens. I would be proactive in dealing with all levels of government to further the town’s interests.
In communicating with residents, three issues appear important to most people: the wastewater system, the road shoulders and improper ATV use. The wastewater issue is ongoing with current and past councils. I believe we need to do our homework and be proactive as a council to ensure we plan the best system for our area. We also need to put pressure on the levels and departments of government to ensure our application is being processed in a timely manner. I would ensure assertive, continuous and meaningful meetings with provincial government to get our road shoulders fixed. They are currently very unsafe in some areas and pushing a stroller or wheelchair can be next to impossible. Finally, the issue with ATVs. I would action an advisory committee consisting of Council members and residents. By engaging ATV users and non-users we could find a solution that is mutually beneficial. For example, designating ATV zones in some areas of town where trail access is impaired, in exchange for ATV free zones that can then be regulated.
For Council
Name: Peter Lush
Work: Retired
I was born and raised in the Town of Gambo and have lived here practically all of my life. The father of three children, 10 grandchildren, married to Jean Blackwood-Lush and the late Verna Brentnall Lush.
I graduated from Smallwood Academy and the College of the North Atlantic with a Power Engineering Certificate. I am also the holder of many administrative certificates, project management and health care courses.
In my early years, I was an active member of the Gambo Lions Club, holding the office of president, secretary and as district governor for area 41S2.
I worked for 37 years in the health care industry, holding various administrative positions and, later in life, as chief operations officer with JPMH in Gander before retiring four years ago.
I have spent 32 years serving on Council with 24 of those years as mayor. After taking a year away from municipal government, I found that I still have the energy, enthusiasm, passion, knowledge and experience to make a contribution to council and to the Town of Gambo in the upcoming by-election.
The challenges currently facing council are pretty much the same as they were when I left a year ago. The greatest being acquiring waste water funding and will take lots of lobbying all levels of government. We have an outdated sewage handling system and, once again, government will be lobbied.
Ensuring we maintain an affordable tax base for residents and businesses in our community is also something that needs to be maintained.
Name: Lori Moss
Work: Pritchetts Timbr-Mart, customer service-18 years to present
Volunteer: Gambo Tidy Town Committee, Smallwood Festival Committee, as well as The Verna Lush Memorial Run.
I decided to run because I want to do more to help Gambo come together as a community. I want to play an active role in making sure our town is a great place for the children of our community as they grow, and to promote activities and recreational opportunities for youth, adults and seniors. I want to give back to the community that I love. Working in customer service in Gambo for the last 18 years has given me the opportunity to get to know the people of our town, they have given me support and encouragement over the years. In return I want to support and advocate their concerns.
Gambo has issues like all towns but I feel that our waste water management is a big concern and that it takes all the towns resources. We need to put pressure on to get fast action from the government.
Name: Minnie Osmond
Volunteer: Society of United Fishermen, former councillor
I served as a town councillor for the town of Gambo during the last term and it was an honour to hold this position and work for the residents in this beautiful community that I love so well. I have worked in this town for many years in the retail business prior to moving to Ontario. There I spent 10 years as a security officer as head concierge in an upscale condominium. This position consisted of working with many contractors, staff and residents in the daily operations of the company. In this position I was very successful with achieving goals and expectations of the residents. I have been a member of the Society of United Fisherman for 35 years. For the last four years I have held the office of chaplain. I am also a member of the district grand lodge and am currently grand lookout. I have volunteered for the Gambo Days celebrations for the last couple of years. My main focus why I chose to run for town councillor of Gambo is to be a voice for the residents of the town to address any issues or concerns that they may have and bring it to the table to be resolved whenever possible! one of the biggest issues facing Gambo right now in my opinion is the shoulders of the roads are in bad condition in most areas thus making them unsafe for residents and especially unsafe in some areas for the children waiting for the school bus. I think that the present council has already addressed this issue. If elected I promise to be transparent and professional in my role as town councillor. My motto is: work hard and go that extra mile.
Name: Rory Skiffington
Work: Central Health employee
Volunteer: Member of the Gambo Volunteer Fire Department, member of the Smallwood Rollers Antique Auto Club
While I have not been involved with council in the past, I believe that my involvement with the public throughout my years of service with the fire department will make me a great candidate for the people of Gambo to put their trust in.
There are several issues that are facing council at the moment but the top priority has to be getting back on track as soon as the by-election is over.
I have already stated to many residents that I will not be making promises that I am unable to keep. Change in government at any level takes time and nothing big can be achieved in a day.
My father, Gar Skiffington, was a dedicated member of the Gambo Volunteer Fire Department for 30 years; like him, I believe in dedication. My promise to residents, if elected, is that I will fight for what is right. I will push for change where change is needed. I will voice your concerns where they should be heard and I will be as open as possible regarding the dealings of council.
Name: Janet Davis
Work: Business owner
Volunteer: Emmanuel United Church and Sedcor
I have chosen to run as a town councillor in the town of Gambo because I feel that I have acquired the life skills to enhance the town. I completed high school here in 1968. In June of 1969 I completed a business course . From July of 1969 until September of 1973 I worked as a long distance toll operator with CNT. I worked in retail at Foodland and IGA until 1992. In 1995 I moved to Fort McMurray and worked in retail until 2003. In 2003 to the present I have owned a cleaning/maintenance company. In September 2017 we moved back to Gambo.
I see the biggest challenges in Gambo is lack of employment, and housing for seniors. I think the town needs a business development person to rectify these problems.
I look forward to speaking with as many citizens as possible to enlighten me on the various other concerns of our town.
James (JIm) Lane: No submission received by deadline.
