Williams taps former mayor to run electoral office

The Newfoundland and Labrador government has named a former St. John's-area mayor to serve as the province's next chief electoral officer.

Paul Reynolds was mayor of Wedgewood Park— a small town totally encircled by St. John's— until an amalgamation that took effect in 1992.

Reynolds will replace Chuck Furey, the former Liberal cabinet minister who announced earlier this month he was stepping down. Furey's resignation takes effect May 1.

Reynolds has also served on the boards of the St. John's Port Corporation and the Pippy Park Commission.

Williams will nominate Reynolds for the post, as well as the commissioner of members' interests, during the upcoming sitting of the house of assembly, which must officially approve the appointment. The legislature will reopen Tuesday with the speech from the throne.

Reynolds will have just over five months to prepare for the general election, scheduled for Oct. 9.

"[Reynolds's] extensive experience in both the private and public sectors will serve him well… This role is particularly important during this, our first ever fixed provincial government election year," Williams said in a statement.

"I have every confidence Mr. Reynolds will fulfil his duties with impartiality, sound judgment and integrity."