Municipal Affairs
September 16, 2009
Municipal Nomination Results Stronger
than Anticipated
A renewed interest in municipal government has
yielded improvements to the number of incumbents seeking
another term in elected office, and growth among women
interested in participating in municipal council.
"There was a serious concern that municipal council
representation was on the decline, and that the number
of individuals interested in running for municipal
council in 2009 would be extremely low," said the
Honourable Dianne Whalen, Minister of Municipal Affairs.
"In 2007, a Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
survey indicated that only 38 per cent of incumbent
councilors would run in this years� municipal election.
Following a review of nominations for the 2009 municipal
election it has been determined that 54 per cent of
incumbents put their names forward for consideration. In
addition, we have seen a four per cent increase in the
number of female candidates with women accounting for 31
per cent of total nominations. These are dramatic
improvements to earlier projections and we have seen
interest levels at or exceeding 2005."
"We are delighted that numbers are improving and that
interest is growing with respect to running for
municipal council," said Minister Whalen. "While we are
optimistic about this years� nominations, there is still
work to be done and this years MakeYourMarkNL campaign
will serve as a great stepping stone in our efforts to
attract individuals to serve on future municipal
councils."
On September 29, elections will be held in 52 per
cent of the province�s municipalities. A further 37 per
cent have councils which have been acclaimed or have a
quorum of councilors acclaimed to permit the council to
function. Special elections will be held on October 27
for the 29 municipalities which did not receive
sufficient nominations to form a council.
"The MakeYourMarkNL campaign has been a great effort
to promote participation in municipal council, and an
important initiative to reach a broader audience through
use of an interactive marketing campaign targeted at
young people, women and individuals who may never have
considered running for council," said Minister Whalen.
"This campaign has provided an opportunity to promote
the importance of municipal government and work on
attracting candidates for future municipal elections.
The response to MarkYourMarkNL has been positive, and
initiated much discussion about the opportunities that
exist to strengthen municipal services, introduce fresh
ideas, and make our communities vibrant for future
generations. Whether an individual has entered the
municipal race this year or will consider a run in the
future, it is important that we continue to deliver our
message about the important contributions that municipal
councils make throughout our province.
In addition, Minister Whalen is encouraging residents
to help make communities stronger by participating in
the democratic process and voting. Historically, voting
patterns have been low, and it is important to turn this
trend around. The minister urges all residents to get
out and vote on September 29.
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Media contact:
Heather MacLean
Director of Communications
Department of Municipal Affairs
709-729-1983, 697-4137
Heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca
2009 09 16 2:40 p.m.