The recent municipal election in St. John’s concluded, marking a significant moment in the city’s governance. Danny Breen has been re-elected as mayor, resisting a robust challenge from Ivy Hanley. This victory secures his third consecutive term in office.
New Faces in the Council
Accompanying Breen back to City Hall are several new councillors. The election saw the addition of first-time at-large councillors:
- Kate Cadigan
- Lynn Hammond
- Nikita Ryall
In specific wards, new representatives include:
- Brenda Halley in Ward 2 (downtown)
- Donnie Earle, who successfully unseated incumbent Carl Ridgeley in Ward 5 (Goulds area)
Leadership Changes
Ron Ellsworth has taken on the role of deputy mayor after Sheilagh O’Leary’s departure to pursue provincial ambitions. Tom Davis was re-elected in Ward 4, while both Jill Bruce in Ward 1 and Greg Noseworthy in Ward 3 faced no challengers.
Additionally, Sandy Hickman continues his long-standing tenure, marking his sixth consecutive electoral victory since 2001, now entering his 25th year on the council.
Election Delays and Challenges
This year’s election was postponed nearly a week because of a postal strike. Concerns have arisen regarding thousands of ballots that were mailed but ultimately not counted.
Future Outlook
Mayor Danny Breen has expressed optimism about addressing pressing issues such as housing, addiction, and public safety. He emphasized the importance of community collaboration in tackling these challenges, stating, “We are on a good path here. A lot of positive things are happening in the city.”
As for Ivy Hanley, her close results suggest her political journey is far from over. She promises her supporters that this challenge has not concluded her political aspirations.
