Brittany Merrifield plans on running for Mayor of Grand Bay-Westfield. (Submitted)
Grand Bay-Westfield resident Brittany Merrifield has put her name forward for Mayor in the upcoming municipal election.
Merrifield is a mother of four, and runs a small business in the Town.
She says she was approached by a number of neighbours and co-workers who thought she would be a good fit for Mayor.
“It was sort of a long decision. I’ve always been involved civically in trying to make things better here in Grand Bay-Westfield,” she said.
Merrifield says she decided to run because there are issues in the Town she wants to see taken care of.
“I want to focus on quality of life. I’ve been heavily involved in increasing programming options for our town, and I’ve seen Grand Bay-Westfield become a more vibrant place as a result, and I want to see that vibrancy continue and to grow,” she said.
Merrifield says she also wants to focus on long-term growth in both residential and commercial.
She’d also like to see the Town get its finances in order, something she has experience in.
“When you’re a small business owner, you have to be fiscally responsible, but you also have to be innovative in the way you plan and run your business, and I’ll bring some of those experiences to the role,” she said.
Merrifield is also a community leader. During the past two spring freshets and historic flooding, Merrifield was busy making and delivering sand bags and organizing volunteers.
She says she’s hoping the flooding isn’t as bad in the town this year, but is still prepared for the worst.
“I’m already in the process of planning for a potential effort again this spring. Hopefully we won’t need it but we’ll be there if our people need us,” she said.
Merrifield says she was approached by a number of neighbours and co-workers who thought she would be a good fit for Mayor.
“It was sort of a long decision. I’ve always been involved civically in trying to make things better here in Grand Bay-Westfield,” she said.
Merrifield is currently running unopposed after long-term Mayor Grace Losier announced she wouldn’t be re-offering earlier this month.
Those who wish to join her in the municipal race have until April 9th to submit their nomination papers.
The municipal election gets underway in May.
