Candidates

The nomination period for the 2025 Town of Paradise Municipal Election was held from Thursday, August 28, to Thursday, September 4, 2025, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily (excluding August 30, 31, and September 1).

The nomination process is now closed and a total of two (2) candidates were nominated for the position of Mayor and a total of 10 candidates were nominated for the position of Councillor.

Voters can vote for only one (1) candidate for Mayor and up to six (6) candidates for Councillor.

Candidate information below is provided by candidates. Please note that updates to this page are made as information is received from candidates.

Mayor

Larry Vaters

If elected Mayor, Larry will work to improve services, address concerns, and build a safe, thriving community. He will insist that the provincial government honour its commitments to build a new access road and a high school for Paradise.

He will aim to address traffic concerns, invest in snow clearing and roads, complete the water and sewer priority list, improve water pressure issues, explore new recreation facilities, advocate for an RNC detachment and look for ways to address speeding concerns and illegal ATV and dirt bike usage.

Originally from the Burin Peninsula, Larry has lived in Paradise since 2001, where he and his wife raised their two children. Larry holds degrees in commerce and French and certificates in human resource management, leadership, and digital marketing. He has extensive communications and leadership experience as a communications professional in the federal public service and as an executive director.

Larry volunteered with the Paradise Soccer Club for 10+ years and held leadership roles on school councils. Elected to Council in 2021, Larry serves as Council Lead for Administration and Corporate Services. He represents the town on regional waste and fire protection committees and is the provincial representative on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Contact Information:

Telephone: 709.770.3549
Website: votevaters.ca

As Mayor, Patrick plans to tackle the ongoing traffic concerns, advocating for our own RNC detachment.

Patrick will prioritize the low water pressure issues of Elizabeth Park, and advocate for changes needed for future developments; working to secure more green spaces. Patrick also wants to see the completion of the water and sewer list.

As a parent to children with Neurodiversity, Patrick is committed to creating a more inclusive Paradise! As chair of the EDIA Committee, Patrick has personally brought forward new inclusive signage for town owned washrooms and communication boards for our most frequented playgrounds, for our pre- and non verbal friends.

Patrick is the Councilor who listens. The answer may not be what you want to hear but he will answer honestly! He has been a strong voice for Paradise Residents for the past 12 years, and will be stronger, as Mayor.

Patrick and his wife moved to Paradise 25 years ago where they are raising their 5 children. He is a courier driver who works sunup to sundown, then throws on a suit, and heads off to the next meeting. He prides himself on being the voice for the residents, because he is one of you!

Contact Information:

Telephone: 709.771.6559
 

Councillors:

Sheldon Antle

I have lived in Paradise for over 14 years and in that time I have been an active member in our community. I have been a Scout Leader (Beavers/Cubs), a member of the Elizabeth Park School Council and a volunteer with the Red Cross Personal Disaster Relief Team. My most recent contributions include coaching with the Paradise Soccer Club, sitting on the Board of Directors for the Club, and, as a member of the SunSplash Organizing Committee.

I have been actively involved in Paradise since my family moved here. I believe that it is important to be involved in order to bring issues to light and to serve as a voice for constituents.

I believe in fiscal responsibility as well as a reasonable and responsible approach to town services and infrastructure. I believe in accountability and transparency for council decisions.

I have seen tremendous growth in our town over the past 14 years but there is more to come. From schools to recreation, from infrastructure and town services allow me to be your voice as we ensure that Paradise continues to Grow From a Strong Foundation.

Contact Information:

Telephone: 709.325.2114

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Glen Bic Carew

4 Years have gone by so fast! It’s been an incredible learning experience in my first term representing residents of our beautiful Town of Paradise!

The initial learning curve was steep and it took some time to get acclimated and comfortable as a new councillor and many unique challenges were presented.

I have championed many resident issues/concerns in this first 4 years and I truly hope that I have proven that I have been a strong ambassador and advocate for the residents of Paradise!

If Re-Elected as Councillor and your continued voice on the next Paradise Town Council, I will continue to apply my unique personality, work ethic and tenacious spirit in aggressively advocating for all residents of Paradise on matters such as:

- The Completion of the Water and Sewer Priority List

- Enhanced Snow Clearing and road maintenance Operations

- Meaningful Expanded Road Rehabilitation

- Traffic Calming and Community Safety

- Additional Road Access to address traffic volumes

- Water Resources to increase pressures in Elizabeth Park and throughout town

- Recreational Amenity Enhancements (Trails/Parks/Facilities/Programs etc..)

I would like to continue this journey in advocating for YOU on the Next Paradise Town Council.

Contact Information:

Telephone: 709.770.0450

Erin Furlong

Like many in our community, I am not originally from Paradise. I moved to Paradise in 2013 after completing my BSc. in Psychology and an MSc. in Experimental Clinical Psychology. I currently work as a Manager in Mental Health and Addictions for NL Health Services.

I am proud to be an active and dedicated member of the Paradise community. Among many other things, I have dedicated my time, passion, and advocacy as Chair of the Parents for a Paradise High School Committee, Chair of the Octagon Pond Elementary School Council, volunteer for the Paradise Minor Hockey Association and most recently a volunteer for the Canada Games in Paradise.

My family and I are very proud to be part of a town that is continuously growing and improving. I am a strong advocate for what I believe in and for what others need. I believe in transparency and trust between Council and its residents. I am comfortable speaking up when necessary and will happily be the one person at the table voting differently if that is what is needed for those affected by the outcome. I will fight for clear roads, safer streets, better services, smart growth, and family first recreation.

Contact Information:

Telephone: 709-699-0432

Jennifer Hiscock

Paradise has always been my home. I was born and raised here, and now I'm raising my own family in this beautiful, growing town. As a mom of three and a local business owner, I know what it means to juggle responsibilities, face challenges head-on, and work hard to build something meaningful.

That's why I'm stepping forward to serve as your councillor, because I care deeply about our community and want to be part of shaping its future.

I'm committed to safer roads, especially in school zones and residential areas, where our children and families deserve to feel protected. I will always be open, accessible, and ready to listen, because local government should work with the people, for the people.

Our seniors are the foundation of Paradise. They built this community, and they deserve our respect, support, and gratitude. I will advocate for programs, services, and spaces that help them thrive.

With two bachelor's degrees, a Master's in Literacy, and a Leadership diploma in progress, I bring both experience and passion to the table. They say if you want something done, ask a busy person and I'm ready to get to work for the future of Paradise.

Contact Information:

Telephone: 709.771.0026

Tony Kelly

Resident of Elizabeth Park, Paradise since 1987.

Retired Public Health Inspector.

Happily married (Geraldine), with two wonderful children (Christopher, Chantelle).

Educated at: CNA (Forestry Technology);

  • Toronto Metropolitan University (Environmental Health);
  • Marine Institute (OH&S);
  • Memorial University (Bachelor of Technology [Engineering and Applied Science]).

Served on numerous volunteer organizations, locally, provincially, and nationally, including: National Advisory Committee on Environment (Climate Change); Provincial Boards of Directors (NAPE, NLFL, NLPSPA).

Running because I believe my experience and skills can help our Town, its residents and businesses, by using my analytical talents to make informed decisions that result in good stewardship of our limited resources.

I truly believe that I can make a difference with my grassroots logical approach to achieve fair, reasonable, sustainable decisions on the current issues facing our Town.

My word is that I will listen to residents, and work on your behalf, on your issues, as your elected representative. Every citizen matters and every issue is important.

Yes, I could sit idly by, but, would much rather stand up and be counted, to use my knowledge, abilities, and skills, to help make a difference that matters. Your support to help me do just that, would be humbly appreciated. Thank you.

Hi, I'm Tommy Maher, a 49-year-old from Freshwater in Placentia Bay, NL. Growing up in this picturesque town, I delved into the world of entrepreneurship at a tender age of 12, working alongside my family in our family garage. The wisdom of successful entrepreneurs, particularly my father and three brothers, has been my guiding light through the years.

For the past two decades, I've called Paradise my home—a place where I've nurtured three wonderful children, forged lasting friendships, and crafted unforgettable memories. Family holds a special place in my heart, and you'll often find me in the great outdoors with my loved ones enjoying nature. Our gatherings are brimming with joy and laughter, for every special occasion.

Since 2004, I've been a part of Paradise, establishing my own construction company. Specializing in excavation, I've broke ground for over 600 new homes in Paradise, each a testament to my dedication and passion for what I do. I have that same passion to be elected Councillor to help form some deserved changes to our growing town and I feel that now is my opportunity to give back to our community. Together, with your support, we can achieve an even better Paradise!

Contact Information:

Telephone: 709.699.4109

James Martin

James & his wife Lillian and two children have lived in Paradise for 17 Years. He has been involved in the construction industry in Newfoundland & Labrador for more than 20 years and is a Red Seal Electrician. He joined the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) in 2010 and has worked on some of the largest, most complex projects in North America. He served as Treasurer for the IBEW Local 2330 executive board between 2018 and 2022, when he was elected as the Business Manager/Financial Secretary. He currently holds this position and represents 1,200 unionized electricians in Newfoundland and Labrador, along with being a trustee on the IBEW Local 1620/2330 health and welfare trusts. He also serves on the executive board of TradesNL, Newfoundland & Labrador’s building and construction trades council promoting and coordinating the interests of 14 building and construction trades unions and their international affiliates operating in the province. James is on the board of directors of the TradesNL Member Addiction and Rehabilitation Program, and Member and Family Assistance Program as well as an Alternate Member of the Newfoundland & Labrador Labour Relations Board. James recently completed a Labour Studies program at McMaster University.

Contact Information:

Telephone: 709.693.0887

Kevin Power

I’m Kevin Power, a proud Paradise resident, family man, and long-time coach who has supported youth in hockey, soccer, baseball, and tackle football for more than a decade. Giving back through sport has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life.

Professionally, I serve as Associate Dean at Memorial University’s School of Human Kinetics and Recreation, where I focus on student health and success. I also bring national leadership experience as incoming President of the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (>6000 members) and locally as a board member with Football NL.

Paradise is my family’s home and I’m committed to listening to residents, supporting smart and sustainable growth, and ensuring Paradise remains a safe, connected, and family-friendly town for everyone.

Contact Information:

Phil Rendell

My name is Phil Rendell, and I am proud to call Paradise home. With over eight years of experience in the nonprofit and social enterprise sector, I have dedicated my career to building stronger, more inclusive communities. I currently serve as Manager of Sport Development and Communications with Special Olympics NL, and have also worked with Sport for Life and Easter Seals NL. These roles have given me valuable experience in program development, fundraising, communications, and community engagement.

I hold an MBA in Social Enterprise and Entrepreneurship from Memorial University, a degree in Recreation, and a Certificate in Applied Media and Communication Arts. This mix of education and professional experience allows me to approach challenges with creativity, strategy, and a focus on results that matter.

Outside of work, I am passionate about the outdoors and recreation. Since 2018, I have proudly volunteered with the Easter Seals Sledge Hockey Program at the Paradise Double Ice Complex, helping create accessible opportunities for athletes of all abilities.

In this election, I am running a zero-dollar, people-powered campaign to highlight efficiency, accountability, and the strength of real conversations with residents. Leadership should be about ideas and action - not spending.

Contact Information:

Telephone: 709.293.1444

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