Ann Seamans looking for 2nd term as Riverview mayor

Riverview's incumbentmayor Ann Seamans says planning was the key to her first term in office, as she and council looked to solid growth in the town's future.

Seamans is seeking a second term in May's municipal elections, running against Scott Bulman.

Speaking on CBC'sInformation Morning Moncton, she told host Jonna Brewer she considered working for the future her most significant achievement.

"My council has made many great improvements, most of them planning and priorities," such as thefive- and 10-year capital plans,and thesustainability plan,she said.

A town survey done in 2015 showed strong satisfaction from citizens, with a main concern about infrastructure. Seamans said the planning council has done has answered those concerns.

"One of the biggest things that I heard when I was out on the streets the last time (campaigning), was from people, 'Can we have our street done?'" she said.

"So now, we have a pavement management plan in place that we actually can look forward to the next 11 years, address the concerns that everybody has, plus they can go and see when their street is going to be done."

Attracting new business a concern

The survey did show dissatisfaction in the town's efforts to attract and retain new business, but Seamans believes that's changing, thanks to new development thatwill draw other business.

"For years there was not land available, we would have to rezone in order to have any commercial growth," Seamans said.

"Now, with the Gunningsville Boulevard off of that area, we have 400 acres (162 hectares)of land that is available, that's zoned and ready to go for growth.

"And the Mill Creak area, in which we have the Mill Creak Nature Park, that area is where we're building our public works building, and by the town building it in that area, it will encourage future growth. This is the first big infrastructure in that area."

Other big issues for the town in the coming years include the development of the new recreation and wellness centre, and getting more use of Codiac Transpo by residents.

Scott Bulmandeclined Information Morning Moncton's invitation to be part of the interview, saying, "My campaign advisers have recommended that I carry on with my current campaign tactics as planned."