Three newcomers challenging five incumbents for places at Bay Roberts council

By Olivia Bradbury / Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With former Mayor Walter Yetman moving on to provincial politics, and Acting Mayor Geoff Seymour already having won the election by acclamation, there will be room for new faces for sure on Bay Roberts council next moth.

There are eight candidates seeking the available six seats which be decided during the October 2 municipal election. Five of the candidates are incumbents seeking re-election, while the other three are newcomers to municipal politics.

Among the incumbents is Dean Franey, who grew up in Shearstown. He is the utility account manager for Graybar Canada in St. John’s. A volunteer firefighter, he’s a captain with Bay Roberts Fire Rescue, of which he has been a member for 15 years. This is his sixth time running for council. His first successful campaign was in 2013, and he has served three consecutive terms.

Franey said if he is re-elected, he would like to focus on traffic and pedestrian safety, public safety, and recreation.

“I bleed our municipality,” said Franey referring to his commitment to council. “I’d just like to see it continue to grow. I think in the past three terms I’ve been on council, I’ve seen a lot of changes in the town, and I’d like to continue those changes. I love it here, and I think I still have a lot to offer.”

Bay Roberts native Perry Bowering, another incumbent, worked with Sobey’s for 26 years before taking an enforcement job with the Town for 15 years. This is his third time running for council, having served from 2001-2005 and 2021-2025. Bowering said he was motivated to run by his passion for volunteerism. He has been with the Avalon North Wolverines Search and Rescue group for over 40 years and was a longtime member of the Town’s special events committee. Bowering said he can do even more for the town as a councillor, and if re-elected, would like to see paving prioritized. He describes himself as approachable and available to residents.

“I’m not playing politics,” said Bowering, when asked why voters should choose him. “I’m here to put the town forward.”

Silas Badcock, also an incumbent, was also raised in Bay Roberts. Badcock used to run a business called Coley’s Point Craftsman, and now works at Port de Grave Harbour. He said his decision to run for council stems from his love for his town and desire to give back. This is his third time running, and will be his third consecutive term if re-elected.

Badcock said his priorities for next term are pavement, intersections, the business park, and water and sewer services. He also would like to address a boundary issue that has prevented some Butlerville residents from voting.

“If they’re a taxpaying resident, I think they deserve the right to vote, so I’d like to see that boundary expansion done,” Badcock said.

When asked why people should vote for him, Badcock cited his determination and promptness in finding answers to residents’ problems.

Originally from Victoria, incumbent Frank Deering has lived in Bay Roberts for over 40 years. He ran Speedy Glass for 35 years, and a couple of years before he retired, decided to run for council. He had always been involved in recreation in the community, and said he wanted to give back to the town.
This will be Deering’s third campaign, and third consecutive term if re-elected. Next term he would like to continue adding sidewalks and new pavement in town and also focus on finances.

Deering said his business experience, relationship with the residents, and his availability to anyone who has problems are good reasons to vote for him.

Originally a fisherman from Port de Grave, incumbent Ross Petten has lived in Bay Roberts for six years. He was once president of provincial command for the Royal Canadian Legion, and president of the local branch for 10 years. In Port de Grave, he served on the waste disposal committee and Harbour Authority.
After moving to Bay Roberts, Petten said, he was encouraged to run by previous councillors and residents. He took their advice, and was elected in 2021. If re-elected, Petten added, he would like to continue making Bay Roberts a great place. Petten describes himself as an excellent listener who is willing to take on anything, gets along well with others, and has always enjoyed working for people.

“I’m honest, hardworking, and I’ll do whatever it takes to get the job done,” Petten said.

Shelley Grogan is originally from British Columbia but has lived in Bay Roberts for four years. She works with Young Adult Cancer Canada and has served as president of the Bay Roberts’ 50+ Club for two years, is now its past president, and said she has managed to help the club obtain $100,000 worth of funding from the two levels of government.

When asked why she decided to run for council, Grogan said, “Primarily it’s because I know I have the skills and ability to help. I love my town here, so it’s just, how can I give back.”
If elected, said Grogan, she would prioritize community engagement.

“I’ve only been here four years, but I’ve already taken the opportunity to make big changes in the community just by what I’m doing voluntarily,” said Grogan, explaining why she is a good choice for council.

At 29, Ryan Butler of Butlerville is the youngest candidate on the ballot. This is his first time running for council. A heavy equipment operator by trade, Butler works at Baccalieu Trail Brewery and has a long history of volunteering despite his young age. Butler volunteers with the CeeBee Stars, is the head of the Shearstown Brass Band, and is currently the youngest Grand Master of the Grand Orange Lodge of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Butler cited the Butlerville boundary issue as a factor in his decision, as it prevents many people he knows from voting or running in elections. Butler said he would like to be the representative for Butlerville and Shearstown residents on council and would also like to improve communication between council and residents, especially seniors. If elected, Butler added, he is determined to be accessible to residents and receptive of their concerns.

Originally from Conception Bay South, Neil Kearley has lived in Bay Roberts for 15 years. He worked in the school system for 36 years as a teacher and administrator and recently retired as principal of Ascension Collegiate after 17 years. Kearley said he wants to find another avenue to give back to his community.
“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,” he said.

If elected, Kearley said, he hopes to focus on the continued growth of Bay Roberts as a place where people want to settle. When asked why voters should consider him, he said he is collaborative as well as earnest and forthright in his decision making.