Long-time principal seeking seat on Bay Roberts council

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The recently retired principal of Ascension Collegiate is hoping to trade his desk in the school office for a seat at the Bay Roberts council table.

Neil Kearley, who grew up in Conception Bay South, but spent most of his career living and teaching in Bay Roberts, said he was impressed with the importance of volunteerism by the efforts of his parents Diane and the late Al Kearley. Both were heavily involved in the establishment of a minor hockey system in CBS and were inducted into that community’s Sports Hall of Fame.

Kearley himself started volunteering in his mid-teens, coaching younger children in hockey. He later worked in education for 36 years, both as a teacher and administrator. He started work at Ascension Collegiate in 1999 and served as principal for 17 years before retiring in June.

Speaking from his experience as an educator, Kearley said teachers often volunteer within their schools and often end up in leadership positions. For 17 years, Kearley was co-chair of the Ascension Collegiate Auction Committee, which raised about $30,000 a year to support student learning. Last year, he served as co-chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Summer Games host committee. 

“In small communities, serving on town council is another extension of volunteerism, so when I think of why it is that I’m seeking council, it’s a natural segue for me or transition,” he said.

Kearley has lived in Bay Roberts for 15 years. It’s his first time running for municipal office. He plans to canvas as much of the town as possible during his campaign. He said candidates going door-to-door will have the perfect opportunity to hear residents’ concerns and interests.

Kearley said Bay Roberts is “punching above its weight” in terms of offering a lot despite its small size. He cited its hosting of the Summer Games as an example and said it’s something the Town can build upon. 

“You want the town to continue to grow, to be inclusive, to be vibrant,” said Kearley. 

He argued the town can grow in ways besides population, including through recreation and the arts. “I’ve also been a supporter of those in my capacity as a principal of a school and certainly would love to bring that lens to the Town of Bay Roberts,” Kearley said, adding he wants to continue making Bay Roberts a place where people want to settle when they move to the region. 

Kearley said rather than running against the other candidates, he is running for what he himself can offer.

An advance poll for the Bay Roberts municipal election will be held at the Wilbur Sparkes Recreation Complex clubhouse on September 27. 

Kearley noted voter turnout for municipal elections is typically lower than that of federal elections and stressed the importance of people voting and having their voices heard. 

“That’s how they are reflected in what their town is,” he said. “We all win. No matter who wins the election, everybody wins if there’s a high turnout of people involved in the democracy.”