Sam versus Steve: Proposed boundary changes could result in Liberal bloodbath

Proposed changes to the electoral boundaries in this province could set the stage for clash of Liberal incumbents in the new district of Trinity-Carbonear with Sam Slade and Steve Crocker fighting for their political lives.

Both are rookie MHAs, but only one could be left standing if a plan to reduce the number of seats in the legislature is trimmed from 48 to 40 for this fall's provincial general election.

The electoral boundaries commission wants to dramatically redraw the political map on the Bay de Verde Peninsula, reducing the number of seats in the area by one.

It will leave Sam Slade, MHA for Carbonear-Harbour Grace, and Trinity-Bay de Verde MHA Steve Crocker in a Liberal versus Liberal battle for the nomination.

Both are upset about the prospect; but neither is willing to back down, either.

I have every intention, whatever the new district is, whether it be Trinity-Carbonear or the present Carbonear-Harbour Grace area, intend to run in a nomination.- Sam Slade

"I have every intention, whatever the new district is, whether it be Trinity-Carbonear or the present Carbonear-Harbour Grace area, intend to run in a nomination," Slade told CBC News on Friday.

"If that circumstance does present itself, we will obviously cross that bridge when it comes. But as of today, my intention is to run in the district in which I live, which is Trinity-Bay de Verde," added Crocker.

A large district

The electoral boundaries commission is proposing that the new district of Trinity-Carbonear encompass the northern half of the Bay de Verde Peninsula, beginning in Carbonear and Bristol's Hope on the Conception Bay side, and Heart's Delight-Inslington on the Trinity Bay side.

It will separate Carbonear and Harbour Grace, two communities with close ties, both historically and economically, with Harbour Grace shifting to the new district of Harbour Grace-Port de Grave.

'As of today my intention is to run in the district in which I live, which is Trinity-Bay de Verde.- Steve Crocker

Four communities in Trinity-Bay de Verde — Hopeall, Green's Harbour, Cavendish and Whiteway — will also be slotted into the new district of Placentia-St. Mary's.

Both realignments are causing some concern among voters and are expected to generate plenty of discussion at upcoming public hearings.

But many political watchers are most intrigued by the political fallout as two Liberal MHAs, both of whom supported legislation to redraw the political map, fight to keep their jobs.

Carbonear resident Lorne Power is not happy the commission was given a firm number by which to reduce the number of seats, but is satisfied with how things may play out in his area.

"As far as the Carbonear district is concerned, there had to be changes made, and I believe what they did was fair to both incumbents right now, to Sam Slade and to Steve Crocker.

"They were both elected by the people, and I believe the people will have a say which one will represent our district in the upcoming election."

Campaign supporters

It's a unique situation.

Slade was elected in a November 2013 byelection, while Crocker took office following a byelection win last fall.

Both men worked hard on each others' campaigns, but now appear headed for a political confrontation.

Slade is the former mayor of Carbonear, the largest town in the area, and a lifelong fisherman. 

Crocker is a business owner who lives in Heart's Delight-Islington. Before his election, he worked as a political aide.

Crocker is not happy about having to take on Slade for the nomination, but said he won't let it sour his support for the party, regardless of who wins.

"I can guarantee you one thing, and one thing only, in the fall of 2015, I will be campaigning to make sure that Dwight Ball is the next premier of Newfoundland and Labrador."

A large district

Slade is skeptical the proposed changes will result in any cost savings, which was suggested by the governing Tories in their pitch for redistribution.

Trinity-Carbonear will include more than 14,000 residents and cover an area of roughly 1,000 square kilometres.

"I would suggest to you that there would have to be a satellite office and another person placed in that office. So the savings are not going to be there," he said.

Both MHAs say they plan to bring their concerns to the commission during an upcoming public hearing in Whitbourne, and will ask that some changes be made to reflect historical and economic connections in the area.