New political year draws its first candidate
By Mark Squibb
Clem Whittle, 66, of Avondale says he intends to run as an ‘Interdependent’ candidate for Harbour Main district in the upcoming provincial election.
“The reason for using that term, because of course words are very important, is because, not only me, but many, many people see that the way our government operates is not serving the people the way that it could,” said Whittle. “The more research I do, the more I see how dysfunctional our government system is… The term interdependent means that we’re mutually dependent upon one another.”
Whittle, who campaigned for the NL Alliance Party in the 2021 election, said many politicians are good people working in a broken system.
“The government system that we have is called a parliamentary system of government, and that particular system of government is over 350 years old,” said Whittle. “And we are running on the same governmental system for almost 400 years… and this form of government is called an adversarial form of government. And an adversary of course is an enemy, so right off the bat, you and I could be neighbours, but because you have a political view and I supposedly have another one, we’re enemies. And that’s not where most people are at today. Most people have moved beyond that type of thinking. But the government hasn’t.”
He likened the provincial government to a dysfunctional family, and said negativity at a provincial level has a trickle-down affect. As a result, Whittle said, many people have lost faith in both major parties’ ability to govern and have adopted an “it-doesn’t-matter-either-way” attitude.
“I know we can do so much better,” said Whittle.
When asked about concerns specific to the district, Whittle said the focus first needs to be on reforming the system.
“If you’re going to build a house, and the foundation is not solid, it doesn’t matter what you put on it, it isn’t going to work,” said Whittle. “And that’s why I’m talking about the foundation. Because if you get the foundation right, now you can work together on all the issues.”
Broadly, he said, folks in the district share the same concerns as people across the province, such as job security and a troubled economy.
“Most people are just concerned with trying to make sure that their needs are met,” said Whittle. “They want the best to enjoy life while they’re working, and raising their families, and so on, instead of being under so much stress from so many different avenues.”
Whittle added that should he be elected, he will donate as much of his salary as he reasonably can to help those in need. Vulnerable folks, such as those suffering from homelessness or addictions, are among his top priority, he said.
“My platform is kindness,” Whittle said. “And my vision statement would be, ‘Service based on action coming from love.’”
The district is home to Avondale, Brigus, Clarke’s Beach, Colliers, Conception Harbour, Cupids, Harbour Main-Chapels Cove-Lakeview, Georgetown, Holyrood, Makinsons, Marysvale, North River, South River, and a portion of Conception Bay South. It is currently served by PC MHA Helen Conway Ottenheimer.
Candidate Clem Whittle