Coombs still on fire for mayor’s job in Harbour Grace

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

It may be his tenth municipal election campaign, but incumbent Mayor Don Coombs sounds as eager as a rookie as he works on his re-election bid.

Like half of his elections in the past, Coombs is going to head-to-head for the top post against former mayor, deputy mayor and councillor Terry Barnes, who was said to be moose hunting last week and unavailable for an interview.

In his day job, Coombs is the Chief Development Officer with the Trinity Conception Placentia Health Foundation, where he has worked for 35 years. Before that, he worked in the media business. Coombs first ran for council in 1989 and 1994, the latter election making him deputy mayor. He first became mayor of Harbour Grace in 1995 when the elected mayor stepped down due to illness. Coombs was re-elected mayor for each consecutive term until 2013 when he lost to Barnes. Coombs was elected mayor again in 2017 and his held the position since. He is now seeking a third consecutive term.

Asked why he decided to run for council back in 1989, Coombs said he saw how much opportunity the town of Harbour Grace had and wanted to be part of it. Taking over as mayor in 1995 was a learning experience. 

“Every day you’re learning something new in municipal politics, especially at the council level,” he said. “And my passion for the town grew stronger and stronger every time, realizing what we have and the opportunities that are there, and it’s just continued on.” 

Coombs said many residents asked him to run again after he lost in 2013, and he experienced that same encouragement leading up to this year’s nomination deadline.

Coombs said there are various projects in the works he would like to see through, including ones on Southside, Harvey Street, Lemarchant Street, and the Heritage District. He is also excited by the success new businesses in the town have experienced, and the businesses that will be coming to Harbour Grace in the future. 

“I think over the four-year period we had close on 40, 50, 60 building permits, so it’s a destination for people to come, and I see economic growth, and I see tourism being a part of it,” Coombs said. “We have to continue with our progress, with our vision, and our strategic plan that was adopted by the elected officials of 2021 certainly made a difference in the life of our town.”

If re-elected, Coombs said, he will continue prioritizing the strategic plan, keeping the Town’s financials in order, working with new property owners, and sustaining Harbour Grace’s growth. Asked why residents should re-elect him, Coombs replied, “Because I’m the best choice for mayor. I’ve got the leadership, I’ve got the experience, I’ve got results and I’m committed to the town 24/7, 365.”