Voters’ voices
St. John’s residents weigh in on important municipal election issues.
On Sept 26, residents of St. John’s will elect their new municipal government.
The Telegram previously spoke with students in St. John’s about the issues they believe need to be covered.
On Wednesday, other residents expressed their thoughts on the issues they believe are important.
“I was talking about the election with some friends this morning,” said Evan Simpson. “We latched onto the issue about taxes. We are annoyed that so many of the candidates pledged to lower taxes, whereas we’d like to see taxes put to better use.”
Simpson said he and his friends agreed they wouldn’t mind contributing if they know their tax money is being put to good use.
Simpson’s wife, Miriam, said she is interested in seeing some fresh faces on council.
“I’ve been very impressed with Maggie Burton’s campaign,” said Miriam. “She visited St. Patrick Mercy home, where I volunteer, and she was so charming. By the end of the visit, all of the residents were writing her name on their hands.”
The couple also mentioned the issue of potholes, similar to many others who have voiced the same concern.
“There should be a committee of civil engineers who can formulate a real plan for our pothole problem,” said Ken Edwards. “Putting signs next to them isn’t helping.”
Edwards said there are certain areas in town where potholes are more prominent, and the city should try to understand why this is happening.
Jim Bown also raised concern about the issue of potholes in the city, which he noticed while using public transportation.
“There’s a lot that needs to be improved with the buses,” said Bown. “When I was sick, I was getting the bus to the hospital all the time, and I had to walk a far distance.”
“I called the city and asked them to put a bus stop closer to the hospital, but they wouldn’t do it,” said Bown.