He upset incumbent mayor Tom O’Brien by collecting 1,248 votes to O’Brien’s 1,080 for a 168 vote span. In the last municipal election in Stephenville, O’Brien managed a win by 78 votes over Rose.
“It’s something I always wanted, to follow in my grandfather’s (Thomas Rose) footsteps and to serve this great community,” he said. “I’m elated, I’m over the top that I had so much support."
Thomas Rose was the first mayor of Stephenville.
He was especially proud of the support from his family, including my wife Joanne, daughter Jennifer and her family.
Rose gave accolades to the citizens that came out and voted and to all the candidates that ran.
He said he never wavered in wanting to represent the fine people of Stephenville and plans are now to get council sworn in and go to work.
“I believe we have to get this town open for business and get Stephenville back on the map,” he said.
He thinks the newly elected council members, balanced with the experience of the incumbents and his leadership abilities will make a dynamic council.
Councillor seats are being filled by incumbents: Don Gibbon Sr., Laura Aylward and Mike Tobin, along with newcomers Mark Felix, Maurice Hynes and Susan Fowlow.
O’Brien said he had a good run during his six terms on council and noted that he leaves with the town in great shape and virtually debt free.
He said the new council will have more than $4 million in available funds to work with during the next four years, giving it more spending flexibility than any council in recent years.
“It’s an exciting time for Stephenville with four or five substantial business opportunities to create employment in the town, which I’ll bring the new mayor and councillors up to speed on,” he said.
He congratulated all candidates and those who made it to council.
“I think when it comes to the six council positions, the electorate made good decisions,” O’Brien said.
