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Retired since February after working as a social worker for more than 37 years, Rino Long feels he is ready to accept new challenges as a member of the Grand Falls Town Council.

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Long, a South Ward candidate, stated his desire to help people motivated him to submit his name for the upcoming May 12 municipal elections. "

I was a member of numerous committees over the years and more recently, as a former member of the Region 4 Health Authority where I attended more then 30 meetings in a year on a volunteer basis," he added. "It goes without saying that the General Hospital is an issue which interests me greatly, as well as issues which affect our seniors."

"I want to help people. With nine candidates in the South Ward, I expect a hard fight for votes," stated Long.

"There are many causes which I strongly believe in. In life, we must help people and that's why I would like to be elected on May 12. It is a great motivation for me," he added.

In addition to the local hospital and senior citizens, Long is also interested in the economy, the downtown core, tourism and the environment, the latter of which is an issue he strongly believes in. "I support having green spaces within the municipality. I would also like to see pesticides banned in town. Water conservation is also important. I can't get over the fact that so many people wash their cars each day! What a waste of water. Noise pollution is also affecting our enjoyment of outdoor life. I would like to see stricter regulations to face this problem so we can all live in a peaceful environment."

"I also would like to concentrate my efforts towards encouraging immigration and overcoming population decrease," Long said.

The candidate would also like to focus his efforts to stem the flow of young people from the area towards jobs located outside the province. "On my street alone, there are about 10 young people who have left the area to find employment," he said. "It is regrettable because they believe there is nothing here for them and they exile themselves."

Poverty is another issue which Long feels should be important for any elected official.

"The problem is serious," he said. "Yes, food banks, for example, contribute in their own way to reduce poverty but I believe that the province should be more involved on this issue."