Mooney makes announcement

By Michael Gorman

THE VANGUARD

NovaNewsNow.com

For years Phil Mooney was a fixture in one of Yarmouth's most recognizable downtown locations. Now he's hoping to become a fixture in a new downtown location: town hall.

Mooney, a former downtown merchant at City Drug Store, announced on Friday that he would seek the town's top office and challenge long-time mayor Charles Crosby. He launched his campaign at Little Lebanon in the heart of the South End, a long-time strong hold of Crosby support.

Mooney said the decision to run stems from a desire to forge a new direction for the town and repeated calls from people to throw his hat in the ring.

"I've had a number of people approach me — younger and older — that said it's time for a change in the town of Yarmouth. I've always expressed my opinions, I love this town . . . and it's time maybe to give something back to the community."

The point of younger support is something Mooney is quick to focus on. In a town where voter turnout is never especially high, especially amongst young people, Mooney said town hall must find a way to appeal to and engage younger citizens who are already here or are starting to return to the community. Mooney's organizing team has a number of young members. Further evidence of this point comes in the form of a campaign website and Facebook page, surely firsts for Yarmouth politics.

"I think I draw a different crowd of people," said Mooney. "The younger people are here. They're starting to come home . . . They want to make a difference and I think they need a voice and I think I'm that person to do it."

Mooney is no stranger to the political scene. A former town councillor, he is also a member of one of the province's staunchest Liberal families, a family that helped fill the small South End restaurant on Friday. His father, Fraser, was once the area's MLA and served as a cabinet minister. His uncle, Bill, was at one time mayor of Yarmouth and his aunt, Aurel, served as a councillor for the Municipality of Yarmouth.

Mooney said his campaign is based around tourism, transportation and taxation. He said there isn't enough of the first two and there is too much of the latter.

Although Friday's rally was short on many details, one idea Mooney is already promoting is the need to get more sporting events and tournaments in town as a way of bringing dollars into the community.

That last two months have been notable in this area for the number of teams and events that came to Yarmouth, giving the local economy a much-needed shot in the arm.

Indeed, thanks to events such as the provincial high school hockey championships, several provincial volleyball events and, of course, the Yarmouth Mariners' deep playoff run, local businesses and places of lodging had a much more successful February, March and April than they otherwise would have.

It's events such as these, said Mooney that the town must continue to pursue and promote. Part of that, he said, would require the town to make a bigger commitment to sporting facilities and events.

"The tourism industry is changing and we're going to have to draw from within."

Other matters mentioned by Mooney during his announcement speech included finding ways to make streets safer and cleaner and fostering an active business district that spans the length of town.