Oliver makes history as first female mayor of Spaniard’s Bay
By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Regardless of who won the mayoral campaign in the Spaniard’s Bay municipal election this year, residents knew it would be a historic outcome as it would result in the town’s first female mayor. Deputy Mayor Tammy Oliver and Councillor Darlene Stamp both ran for the position, with Oliver ultimately winning in a closely fought contest 536 votes to 499.
A Spaniard’s Bay native, Oliver has lived in the town for most of her life except for a few years when she lived out west working for Toronto-Dominion Bank. Her family returned to Spaniard’s Bay so their eldest child could begin school at Holy Redeemer. She remained at home raising her children, staying busy with volunteer work, for about 12 years. She returned to the workforce part-time for about eight years, working in several sectors before retiring. She has been married for 29 years, and has three adult children.
Last term was Oliver’s first term on municipal council.
“I’ve had a very long history of volunteering for my community, and I was approached by a good friend who happened to be a councillor at the time, and I thought it would be the utmost way to serve my town,” said Oliver explaining her foray into municipal politics in 2021.
“After being elected and serving as deputy mayor, I’ve had a lot of feedback from residents and family and friends who encouraged me to run for mayor and to help make some important decisions to lead our town into the future,” she added.
Oliver said she is humbled and appreciative to be the first female mayor of Spaniard’s Bay.
“I believe it’s another step towards gender parity and diversity,” she said. “This is the 100th anniversary of women having the right to vote in Newfoundland and Labrador, and I’m so very proud of that.”
Once the new council is sworn in and the committees formed, Oliver would like to conclude some unfinished business the previous council did not have time to complete. She gave the example of the Tilton playground. Then, Oliver said, in conjunction with resident feedback that she received during her campaign, she is eager for the new council to set a priority list.