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speakup

She said that she hopes to see phase one of that project start this spring. It will include electrical and road upgrades and expansion of the children's playground. She wants to see phase two move forward in the fall, with construction of the multifunctional centre. The third phase will involve major renovations including construction of camper cabins, an amphitheatre, free-form pool and the water play park.

Roy said that funding is still a question, since the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency seems not to be funding projects in this part of the province.

On the question of amalgamation, she said that things have to start with regional cooperation, but that she has seen a change during the four years she has been mayor. "I think we have to work hand in hand," she said.

Roy went on to say that the village would like to hire a community director, but can't afford to hire someone with a master's degree or doctorate. She said that there are people who would like to move back to the area and, if someone could be hired as a regional director, it would benefit all the communities.

As another example, she mentioned a project on which she is working with Dalhousie mayor Clem Tremblay. It will bring about 300 elected municipal officials to the area in October.

"I don't know where he gets his numbers," she said when asked about her opponent's comments about council expenses. "He has never come to a meeting in four years."

She said that a recent budget meeting had shown that the village is "very healthy," and had registered a surplus, so "there's nothing to be worried about."

Roy listed some of the village's accomplishments during her term as mayor. They included receiving a $300,000 gas tax rebate, replacing two water supply pumping stations , moving the campground from a deficit situation to a profit, purchasing tow fire trucks and providing $1.2 million for the fish hatchery. She also mentioned the events held to honour volunteers, including "40 who made a difference" during the village's 40th anniversary.

Roy said she was proud that the village had not raised taxes in the past four years.

She also spoke about the Charlo airport, saying that she is "optimistic that one day it will work at its full potential. She spoke about an alliance with the Miramichi airport that will see both airports cooperating. They will develop a strategic plan to bring full service back to both.

While she admits that the airport has been a challenge over the past four years, they have been able to keep it open. There are three full-time employees and the airport has generated revenues of $200,000. She hopes to see it diversify and expects to make an announcement soon.

"I ask for the citizens' trust again," she said. "I think I'm a good leader, a leader with vision and I work hard."

She said that since she is retired, she has the time to devote to the job.