Liberals hope to pick up seat with premier's assistant on Newfoundland's south coast
Sole opponent Charlene Walsh has backing of outgoing MHA Tracey Perry
A trail of red signs — dotted on lawns and street corners — line the narrow road toward Seal Cove, on Newfoundland's south coast.
But one home in particular, set off the street, is by far the biggest supporter of Elvis Loveless.
"He has a lot of support, very much. I'd say pretty well 90 per cent [in Seal Cove]," said father Ambrose Loveless from the kitchen of his tidy two-storey home with a small graveyard nestled to its front, hinging on the side of the Atlantic Ocean.
"When it was a gloomy day it would shine when Elvis came in the home."
His son is considered by many to be a strong candidate in Fortune Bay-Cape la Hune, giving the Liberals an opportunity to capture a district that's been held by the Tories since 2007.
Tracey Perry decided not to seek re-election but has thrown her support behind newcomer Charlene Walsh.
Loveless is a well-known in the Newfoundland and Labrador political scene, most recently serving as a senior advisor and executive assistant to Dwight Ball.
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"Even in that role, mayors from this district and business leaders knew I was in that position so I've been working on files in this district because it's close to my heart," he said.
His career with the Liberals spans back to working in former premier Brian Tobin's office. Loveless also served under former district MHA Oliver Langdon. He ran for office in 2007 and was defeated by Perry.
Let's talk about the fishery
According to Elections NL, there are 5,316 eligible voters in the region — home to an aging population with troubles familiar in many rural communities.
Loveless said the greatest challenges in the district are health care, roads and cell coverage.
Aquaculture and the traditional fishery — and its spinoffs — are predominant industries on the south coast, Loveless said, and vital to the district.
"We need to talk about that more. That traditional fishery is still lucrative and it provides for a lot of families in this area," he said.
The Liberals are hopeful they can gain a member in the district of Fortune Bay-Cape la Hune, and Loveless feels positive about his chances.
His parents have several reasons to hope he's right, but one in particular stands out for his mother.
"I hope that he wins. It's my heart's desire. I'll see more of him," Marina Loveless said.
"We'll wait to see on voting day."
Over to Pool's Cove
As you cross the highway and drive into Pool's Cove, the slew of red turns to mostly blue.
In the community recreation centre, a photo of the former MHA Perry with members of the community is stuck with a magnet to the fridge. A pamphlet from the Loveless campaign sits in a recycling bin with flyers and other paper products.
Tory candidate Charlene Walsh, who grew up in St. Alban's before raising a family in the St. John's area, admits she is new to politics.
She comes from a real estate and sales background, but is ready to "do some good."
"Geographically, it's very vast and remote. I think opportunities for tourism is great because we have such great, spectacular scenery," she said of the area, adding that roads need to be fixed first.
Like many rural areas, health care and roads remain prevailing issues, but Walsh has also taken a keen interest in food sustainability.
Food security
On Tuesday, she visited the Food First NL initiative in Pool's Cove, where residents have embraced growing their own vegetables and raising chickens.
"We have [high] obesity rates, heart problems, high blood pressure ... which we all know Newfoundland has some of the highest rates of things. I think it starts with food and what we consume," said Walsh, who wants to expand the Food First NL program up and down the south coast.
As for her election chances, Walsh said she is well positioned to continue the work of her PC predecessor.
"Tracey is very well loved in the district," Walsh said. "That helps because she will mentor me in, and hopefully we can carry on with her good work and my personality."
She acknowledges her opponent's government background but she doesn't see it as Loveless having an upper hand.
"No one has told me what I can't do. So, I'm looking at it with a fresh prespective."
Both Walsh and Loveless live in the St. John's metro area, but are committed to also having a base in the district, if they're elected.
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