Sandenn Killoran ('09), marketing and public relations coordinator for Sancon Commissioning, officially launched his candidacy for mayor of Belledune last Sunday at the Royal Canadian Legion in Jacquet River. The 25-year-old graduate of Bathurst High School said he offers a fresh approach.
"I'm thinking that Belledune and the entire province is at a crossroads right now with the economy with the way it is and having to look towards new ideas and new possibilities for industry. I think if we have an educated person with new ideas and a new approach in to how we conduct our business, in going after different industries and helping out with the training of our people, it would be something very important to the village of Belledune. I think a new voice and new ideas is something that's been lacking in the previous councils for a few years now."
Municipal elections will be held across the province on May 14. The mayor's seat in Belledune is currently vacant following the resignation of long-time mayor Nick Duivenvoorden in January, with deputy mayor Emmie Flanagan serving as interim mayor.
Killoran, son of Dennis and Roxanne Killoran of Belledune, was born in Grand Prairie, Alberta, and spent time living in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, and North Tetagouche. He graduated from BHS in 2005 and studied history, English and commerce at Mount Allison.
Killoran said he's always had a great deal of interest in politics and municipal affairs.
"My family is Old Liberal. Basically, from when I was knee-high to my grandfather, it's been Question Period at three o'clock in the afternoon and discussions all night and all day my entire life. I've always been actively engaged in the political process," said Killoran, who is engaged to Mallory Kaye of Belledune.
"Municipally, I've always been involved. I'm the president of our minor soccer club here in Belledune - we have about 80 kids who have joined minor soccer in the summer. We've done a number of charity events that I've organized...and politically, I'm fairly involved in provincial politics as far as the Liberal party, and I know a good number, and have worked with some PC members as well."
If voted in as mayor, he would push for English trades training courses in the village. He said these could be offered online at locations such as the local recreation centre.
"I think it's a bit of a travesty that there's no full-time English courses region except for the few that Dalhousie gets to offer ad-hoc. Anyone who wants to take a full time NBCC (New Brunswick Community College) course in English has to drive as far as Miramichi.
"I really view the potential to have some courses offered, and they don't have to be anything in depth, any two-year courses to start off with. Eventually, I would hope that we could start looking at having full training programs for trades...but something as easy as scaffolding is a couple months course."
Killoran said providing professional training for local residents would help curb the continuing problem of a declining population in the village.
"For the jobs that we do have left, we can look at local people first and have them qualified."
Killoran said he doesn't feel his youth is a negative in being able to do the job of mayor. He said he has a fresh outlook on issues and he feels he can connect with the younger generation to entice youth to move to or stay in the region.
He said his willingness to improve the region gives him the drive to keep moving forward.
"I've always been under the understanding that you should try and make a place better than the way you left it," he concluded.
Bathurst Northern Light, by James Mallory
March 6, 2012
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