Second District Representative Melvin 'Mitch' Turnbull has levelled criticism at Premier Dr Natalio Wheatley over what he describes as a failure to engage with Seventh District constituents on pressing local issues.
Speaking on NDP Radio on October 28, Turnbull pointed to complaints residents voiced during a recent National Democratic Party walkthrough of the area. He expressed concern about the gap between the Premier, who represents the district while holding the top government office, and the people living there.
"There's a representative now in government who sits in the highest office. But it seems like there's a disconnect between that representative and the people," Turnbull said.
Perline Scatliffe-Leonard, the NDP's candidate for the Seventh District, outlined specific challenges facing Long Look residents during the same broadcast. She said children lack a safe after-school space where they could receive homework support and mentoring. She called for the community centre to operate Monday through Friday with retired teachers and other volunteers helping young people.
Scatliffe-Leonard also painted a picture of deteriorating conditions in the area. A playground sits beside a channel of dirty water that children must step through or jump over, she said. Derelict vehicles litter the community, and inadequate street lighting mars the landscape. She noted that she had personally invested resources to repair lighting at a gazebo following incidents there.
Scatliffe-Leonard highlighted that many parents work multiple jobs to support their families, underscoring the economic pressures residents face.
Turnbull added that during an earlier party visit, residents had raised concerns about street lighting. When he returned to the area, he observed that a light had been installed, suggesting that responses to community needs come slowly.
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