Two mayoral candidates in running for East St. Paul

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This article was published 18/10/2022 (1422 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two candidates are registered to run for the office of mayor in East St. Paul, with outgoing mayor Shelley Hart not seeking re-election on Wed., Oct. 26.

Carla Devlin

Devlin, a contractor and president of Carrington Custom Homes, was elected as Ward 1 councillor in 2018.

“I love my community,” said Devlin, a resident of the RM for nearly 20 years. “I’d like to encourage other young residents to get involved in politics, and it’s especially important for women to take a stand and get involved.”

With a moratorium on new development in the RM ongoing since 2020, Devlin said it’s vital that local infrastructure issues, such as the completion of a new water-waste plant, be completed so the RM can continue to grow.

“We need to continue to be a progressive municipality,” she said. “And I think many municipalities are up against that, too. And that’s something I can be a positive person at the table for.”

While Devlin acknowledged that some people in the community feel that being both a home builder and elected official is a conflict of interest, she believes her experience dealing with development bylaws and planning is a major asset.

“Having that knowledge, I feel I can possibly try to find some positive solutions so our residents aren’t left so frustrated,” she said. “There’s inaccurate information swirling around, especially online. (But) I am focused on my platform and issues.”

Improving recreational opportunities for residents is another priority of Devlin’s, should she be elected mayor.

“I would love to see more programming,” she said. “We have lots of good ideas.”

For more information, see carladevlin.com

Lawrence Morris

An RM resident for over 45 years, Morris served as mayor of East St. Paul between 2006 and 2014, when he was defeated at the polls by Hart. Before serving as mayor, Morris was a ward councillor for 10 years.

“I love it here,” Morris, who has also been involved with the East St. Paul Community Centre and the local Lions Club, said. “My wife and I, we love the community and we want to give back as much as we can.”

Morris lists opposition to high-density development in the RM, enhanced recreational opportunities, and advocating a greater bylaw officer and RCMP presence in the community as priorities.

“I live in a great community that has been good to me and my family,” Morris said. “I’d like to keep it a great place to live in, by keeping it consistent with the RM’s vision, a community of larger lots, the feel of living in the country in an urban setting with plenty of green spaces. We’re only 16 square miles. We’re not an area that can put up with high density.”

If elected, Morris would work to build a pickleball court and a splash pad in the community.

“Everyone would like to see a swimming pool, but they’re very expensive,” he said. “I’d also like to see more walking trails. People want to get out and enjoy the outdoors.”

Infrastructure renewal is also top of mind for Morris.

“Our infrastructure is getting old,” he said. “Our water treatment and sewer plant needs a lot of attention. It has to be looked at. That’s a $14 million project.”

For more information, visit Facebook.com/LawrenceMorrisESPMayor/