Sorry to see him go

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Randy Wrice’s decision to step away from Harbour Grace council has left his colleagues lamenting the loss of a much-respected contributor.

Mayor Don Coombs said this week that he had accepted Wrice’s resignation letter with sadness. “The Town of Harbour Grace has lost a tremendous individual and councillor,” said Coombs.

The rookie councillor, who was elected in 2021, is stepping away for personal reasons, which were not disclosed at Monday’s public council meeting.

The mayor described Wrice as a very active and involved councillor who showed true leadership. Coombs expressed hope that Wrice may consider running for council again someday.

Councillor Brendan Chafe felt similarly. 

“His work ethic was second to none,” Chafe said, describing Wrice’s judgement as astute. 

“He likes to think the process out before he gives his answer on anything,” agreed councillor Terry Barnes. “He was a good colleague here on council.” 

Barnes wished Wrice and his family all the best.

Councillor Gordon Stone shared Barnes’ sentiment about family.

“You don’t come to council by yourself,” Stone said. “You come to council with the support of your family. As a volunteer, there’s lots of times when you want to be with your grandkids, or with your wife, and they have to give up their time so that we can work on behalf of the citizens of the town. And Randy’s family is very special to him. He talked about them a lot, and he gave up a lot of time from them. So I certainly hope that he’s going to have more time for them now. But that means we’re going to have less time with him as a council. The town’s really going to miss him.” 

Stone described Wrice as thoughtful, dedicated, and honest, adding he was one of the best councillors he ever worked with. “What I liked about him is he didn’t mind telling us off if he had a different opinion,” Stone said, prompting chuckles from his fellow council members. “And I’m certainly going to miss that.” 

Stone said he too hopes circumstances will eventually change to allow Wrice to return to council. “The town can certainly use the type of character that Randy Wrice had, and I’m really going to miss him,” Stone said.

“Randy had the town of Harbour Grace at heart,” said Deputy Mayor Keith Skinner, who echoed Stone’s remark that Wrice could put up a good argument, which he described as a positive attribute. “That’s what made Randy Randy.” Skinner too wished his former colleague the best of luck.

The nomination date for anyone interested in filling the vacant seat is July 30. The byelection will take place on August 27. Council appointed Nancy Pike to serve as alternate returning officer for the byelection.