In St. John’s, residents are gearing up to choose their next mayor, as a newcomer from the business world challenges the incumbent seeking a third term. Ivy Hanley, a business owner with a background in trades and motherhood, is stepping into politics for the first time to vie for the mayoral seat against the current mayor, Danny Breen. The municipal elections are set for October 2.
Hanley, 37, emphasized her track record of breaking barriers in the trades sector and entrepreneurship, highlighting her motivation to bring innovative changes to the city. She stressed the need for proactive measures to ensure growth and development in St. John’s.
On the other hand, Breen, who has led the city as mayor for the past eight years, showcased his experience in steering the city through infrastructure enhancements and major events like the Canada Summer Games. He expressed his desire to address significant challenges facing the city with a focus on public safety and tackling the drug crisis prevalent in St. John’s.
Both candidates underscored the importance of public safety in their campaigns, acknowledging the pressing need to combat the escalating drug crisis in the capital city. Breen proposed increasing police resources and enhancing early access to support services, recognizing the role of municipal government in addressing the core issues contributing to the crisis.
Hanley advocated for collaborating with the province to bolster addiction support services, establish drug-free shelters, and address the presence of safe-use items in the city. She emphasized the urgency of creating drug-free shelters to combat the adverse effects of addiction in the community.
Additionally, both candidates prioritized business development, with Hanley emphasizing the necessity for more streamlined processes and improved communication between business owners and the city. Breen proposed leveraging provincial tax benefits to support businesses and alleviate the burden on property taxes, aiming to foster economic growth in St. John’s.
As the election date approaches, the residents of St. John’s face a critical decision in choosing between Hanley and Breen to lead the city forward.
