Meet Your Candidates

Samantha Abbott is a proud Gander resident, community leader, and parent with an educational background in human resources and extensive experience in the non-profit sector. She currently serves as the Executive Director of Violence Prevention Gander and Area, where she works to prevent violence, support victims, and promote safer, healthier communities. Over the past eight years, Samantha has been deeply involved in advocacy and frontline service, giving her a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing local families and residents.

Samantha is committed to fostering transparency, accountability, and open communication in local government. Her priorities include supporting safe and sustainable growth, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing community safety and accessibility. She is especially passionate about creating spaces and opportunities where families, seniors, and youth feel included, valued, and supported.

With both professional expertise and lived community experience, Samantha brings a practical, people-first approach to council. She is dedicated to building a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected Gander - a place where every resident has the opportunity to thrive.

Oz Fudge was born in Lewisporte in 1954 to parents Otto and Gladys and grew up in Gander, where he developed a lifelong commitment to community service. In 1973, he began his policing career with the RCMP, later working with the Alberta Highway Patrol before returning home to serve with the Gander Municipal Police. After more than 30 years of dedicated service, Oz retired, but his passion for contributing to Gander never slowed.

Over the years, he has coached basketball at Gander Collegiate and St. Paul’s, as well as senior volleyball, and has volunteered with numerous community initiatives, including the Gander Collegiate Breakfast Program, SPCA, Gander Boys and Girls Club, Cops for Cancer, Special Olympics, and Quad a Palooza. He has also served as President of the NL ATV Federation and the Municipal Police Officers Association.

As a former town councillor from 2017 to 2021, Oz is focused on issues that matter most to residents: affordable housing, improved business relationships, tourism growth, public safety, recreational facilities, and stronger support for the homeless.

Sheldon has been a resident of Gander for 26 years, sharing the past 23 with his wife Melanie, raising their two children. Originally from Eastport, Sheldon moved here in 1999 to work with the Department of National Defence in IT Security, a role he continues today, while also running his own cyber security consulting business serving local organizations.

Sheldon’s background spans cyber and physical security, regulation at all levels of government, policy development, risk management, and disaster recovery. He spent six years as a leader with 1st United Scouts, teaching outdoor skills, and he remains an active member of the Gander Masonic Lodge. From 2020–2021, he served as Chair of the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce.

Elected to Town Council in 2021, Sheldon has championed Gander’s Digital Government initiative, making services more accessible, secure, and efficient, while preparing the town for future growth. Since 2024, Sheldon has also been an active member of the YQX Running Club, contributing to planning the Run From Away racing series, which has quickly become a highly successful community event.

Jim Lidstone, a Gander resident for 30 years with work experience including Executive Director of an automotive dealership in Gander and many years in sales and management roles. Jim would like to put his experience to work for you on council! Over his years in Gander he has been active in the community being on 2 School councils including Gander Academy where he was part of a push to see the school redeveloped and a new elementary school constructed.

Jim would take a fiscally responsible approach to council working to ensure there is continued focus on debt reduction, sustainable and affordable infrastructure, alternative revenue generation, and partnerships with all levels of government and businesses. He feels it is important to strive for service excellence while answering to residents for how their money is spent.

He believes Gander must continue to be a vibrant community to attract health care workers, businesses and others to live here. Upkeep and expansion of our recreational facilities and parks is of vital importance to this. Go to www.jimlidstone.com to read more.

My name is Jason Stewart Mitchell. I am 40 years old. I was born in Carbonear, Newfoundland.
I have been living here in Gander for 16 years. I lived in Halifax Nova Scotia form the age of 19 tell moving back here. I have worked as a Security Officer in Halifax. I also have worked as a laborer here in Newfoundland and Ontario. I have helped in construction of road ways as well as building houses. I married my wife Joyce here in Gander, where we are raising our three grandkids.  

As a council member I want to see more infrastructure for the elderly and the youth here in Gander. I want to suppose new business and the expansion of businesses here in Gander. I as want to see this town become a place were new families want to come and live. 

As a member I will make it my purpose to make your voice heard. Gander needs someone that is here for the people not for the politics.  

Barry Mullett has called Gander home since 2021. He became a stay-at-home dad in 2017 and was delighted when his wife found her dream job in Gander. They have three children, ages 2, 6 and 9.

Barry has spent a lifetime in the service of people. From his career as an LPN in mental health and addictions, to his volunteer work with the YMCA, to his current role as Dad, he has learned to listen and lead with empathy. He has a strong and calming presence in all situations, and his insight and creativity has helped countless people achieve their goals. 

After retirement, Barry completed his Bachelor of Arts at Memorial University. Since moving to Gander, Barry has been a strong advocate for healthcare services including the reopening of the obstetrical unit at JPMRHC. He has focused on enhancing family life by speaking up against the speeding problem and advocating for improvements to community playgrounds. 

Barry promises to be your voice on council to ensure that Gander can not only survive but thrive.

Timeyin David Owojaiye is an aviation expert, educator, and community leader who found a home and special connection to our province over a decade ago. After arriving in Newfoundland and Labrador in 2013, he built his career in aviation maintenance and education, eventually becoming a leader in every sense of the word. His professional work has focused on preparing students for careers in aerospace, while his community involvement has centered on creating opportunities for growth and inclusion.

Timeyin’s priorities for council are rooted in the belief that Gander can grow by investing in people, industry, and community. He is committed to addressing housing shortages, supporting aviation and aerospace development, strengthening infrastructure, and building a sustainable, livable town that attracts families and workers.

Known by many as “the Big Fella,” Timeyin brings a collaborative, transparent, and forward-looking approach to leadership. He is passionate about ensuring that Gander remains safe, welcoming, and prosperous for future generations.

Tara Pollett is a third generation Ganderite born and raised here. She is married to Bob and they have two children, Robyn(Lucas) and Alex(Samantha).  They also have two Labrador Retrievers, Annie and Piper and their Granddog, a Rottweiler named Scottie. Tara’s parents are Lloyd and Gertie Granter. All are living in Gander.

Tara has been employed with Government Air Services for 18 years as an Aircraft Dispatcher, coordinating flights for Air Ambulance and Water Bombers.

Tara has served two terms on Gander Town Council, once as Deputy Mayor. She has Chaired/Co-chaired events such as the 2024 NL Winter Games, 2025 Special Olympics NL Summer Games, Ride for Sight, Festival of Flight, just to name a few.
 
Tara has a long history of volunteering. She was President of Silver Jets Skating Club as well as President of Gander Minor Hockey.

Tara’s top priorities are housing (all parts of the housing continuum), public safety, recreational infrastructure (sport tourism), increased activity at Gander International Airport.  This increased activity includes working with both levels of government for the much awaited, much needed and promised, Atlantic Wildfire Center which would be an asset for CNA.

Krystle West (Wellon) has proudly called Gander home since 2002, where she has built a life, created a business, and is raising her son. Originally from Ladle Cove, NL, she earned an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering diploma from the College of the North Atlantic in Gander. Her career includes work with Gander Flight Training and Newfoundland and Labrador Government Air Services, and she is the founder of XHEIGHT Zone, an award-winning local recreation business recognized for inclusion, diversity, and women’s entrepreneurship.

Krystle is deeply engaged in the community as 2nd Vice Chair of the Gander & Area Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Navy League Gander Branch and Gander Pride, and a Board Member with the Gander Family Resource Centre. A year-round volunteer and strong mental health advocate, she has facilitated programs such as The Working Mind and completed training in Mental Health First Aid and Autism Awareness. Krystle is dedicated to fostering growth, inclusion, and a welcoming environment while helping guide Gander’s future through collaboration and thoughtful decision-making.

Pat Woodford was born in Grand Falls-Windsor and moved to Gander in 1976. After completing high school he attended St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, NS before joining the Canadian Armed Forces in 1981. He returned to civilian life in 1985 and moved back to Gander where he began work at Transport Canada as an Air Traffic Controller. He married his wife Glenda in 1994.

Pat was elected to the Gander Town Council in the 2017 Municipal Election.

Pat has a long history of volunteering in various capacities, including serving on the executive of the Knights of Columbus, Special Olympics, as well as participating in the St. John Ambulance Therapy Dog program, Canadian Red Cross, Gander Senior Flyers and a number of other community organizations.