Witless Bay Mayor Trevor Croft will not be seeking re-election in the upcoming municipal election.
By Mark Squibb
Members of Witless Bay council took a few minutes at the end of last week’s public meeting to acknowledge the contributions of outgoing Mayor Trevor Croft.
Croft was elected in 2021, and, having received more votes than any other candidate, was named mayor. He has not put his name forward for re-election next month.
“I would like to express a sincere thank you to Mayor Croft for all the time and dedication he has spent over the last four years for the Town of Witless Bay,” said councillor Jacob Hayden. “He’s done a lot of work in the background that people don’t see. It’s kind of a thankless job on some occasions. But I want you to know Trevor that we did notice, and we really appreciate everything you have done for us over the last four years.”
Mayor Croft replied in turn.
“Thank you so much guys, I really appreciate all your hard work over the last four years,” said Croft. “It’s been an adventure, for sure.”
Town chief administrative officer Jennifer Aspell, on behalf of staff, extended her thanks to all of council in general, and Croft in particular.
“You have been extremely supportive of all staff and all of your colleagues, and we just want to say thank you,” said Aspell. “There was a tremendous amount of time that you gave that nobody actually got to see. And so good luck with everything you have planned for your future.”
Incumbents Ralph Carey, Gerard Dunne, Jacob Hayden, Justina Nawaz, and Margaret Swain have put their names forward for re-election. Susan Byrne, Jessica Holmes, and Robert Thor are also running for a seat.
Croft’s one term on council as mayor was marked by a return to stability in some ways after the terms of the previous councils were marked by rancour and division, particularly over the stance of some councillors regarding the rights of private property owners near Ragged Beach. There were some imbroglios during Croft’s term, including an effort by councillors Dunne, Carey, Lorna Yard and Alan Richards to vacate the seat of councillor Swain over the Ragged Beach issue. Croft and Deputy Mayor Hayden opposed that decision and council was eventually found to have been in the wrong when it fired Swain, leading to her reinstatement. Yard and Richards eventually quit council.
