Former mayor, MHA eyes old job on Happy Valley-Goose Bay council

John Hickey wants to be the mayor of Happy Valley-Goose Bay again.

Hickey was the town's mayor in 2003 and was a Member of the House of Assembly from 2003 to 2011, when he retired from provincial politics. In 2013 he ran for mayor again — but lost.

"We weren't successful and what then was then and now is now," Hickey told CBC Radio's Labrador Morning.

"So I'm looking forward to throwing my hat in the race and offering myself in this upcoming election."

Hickey said one major thing that's changed since his last run is his health.

"We've got those [heart issues] fixed and physically right now we're feeling very good and we're looking forward to doing the door-to-doors," he said.

"In the last time around I think the people of the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay wanted to see a complete change … they basically flicked everybody that was in there out and put all new in … and so now we're up for election and I'm throwing my hat in the ring and I'm looking forward to the opportunities that are going to be for this town in the future."

Back to basics

Hickey said his major issues of concern are good drinking water for the town and getting back to basics.

"Basics like concentrating on water, on sewer, roads … fire protection. I mean, the fact that our fire chief does not have a fire truck — [he] has to use his own vehicle — is very concerning as far as the priorities that this past council has placed on emergency preparedness," he said.

"There are many other issues that I want to pursue too, certainly in the economic development side: 5 Wing Goose Bay is still a huge issue for this community, we got to get more benefits out of Muskrat Falls and Gull Island down the road … these are the things that are important to me."

There are two other men currently running for mayor in the September 26 election: George Andrews and Tony Chubbs.

Current Mayor Jamie Snook announced in May he would not seek reelection.