The similarity of candidates' names in Grand Manan's mayoral race has led, inevitably, to comments about "shades of green" and reminders to voters to read their ballots carefully. Dennis Greene, Philman Green and Murray Green are all seeking election on May 9. Each candidate was asked about his current occupation and previous municipal experience and their priorities for the next council to address.

Murray Green
     Murray Green is a truck driver, primarily for MG Fisheries. He doesn't see a lack of council experience as a barrier. He says, "Our youth is one of our greatest treasures, in any small community." Grand Manan should be more in touch with technology to attract businesses that will interest youth in staying, so that "by the time the babies are grown" there will be employment options for them. He thinks tourism needs more aggressive advertising because it brings money that stays in the community and helps it year round. Trails need to be improved and the transfer station must be more environmentally efficient, with "the whole island kept as pristine as possible," which is part of its attraction. He says ferry service is "adequate" but "to bring interest to the island we need a fail‑safe way to get people to and from," with a "higher rate of performance." It can be costly for businesses to operate; a free ferry might encourage newcomers.
      He says, "I really want to see the island survive and have a future; I want to be part of the first step. As mayor I won't make promises I can't keep. I want to be a voice for the people."

Philman Green
     Retired from Bell Aliant, Philman Green is now a private contractor installing woodstoves, chimneys and heat pumps. He has 16 years' council experience and was mayor from 1998 to 2001. He was reelected in 2001 but resigned to run for legislative office. He says Grand Manan should be more open to development and encourage entrepreneurship. Council should lobby provincial and federal governments "for every dollar that's out there" for infrastructure, to improve Ingalls Head Road and Route 776 and expand Internet service. He wants to make facilities and playgrounds "as good as they can be. Get users involved; take their feedback and use it. It's important to act on what you hear."
     He says, "I have a heart for the community and for government but not the stomach for 'politics.' I have little patience for self‑serving attitudes. I have the experience and ability to do the job. My previous years on council show this. I helped draft most of the current bylaws. I'd like to see a stronger team‑building concept [on council]." All members have different skills and "the mayor's job is to know how to draw that out of them. I am ready, willing and able and relish the opportunity."

Dennis Greene
     Dennis Greene has 27 years' municipal experience, including 12 years as mayor of North Head before amalgamation, then deputy mayor, and mayor of Grand Manan since 2004. He is the highway supervisor for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. His priorities include repaving and widening Route 776 and Ingalls Head Road with a bike/walking lane. "The time has come; this is a realistic goal." Improvement of Internet service is a goal, as well as neighbourhood playgrounds, for which "I believe I can access the funds." He points to advancements during his term such as more doctors, a new community center, nursing home and cell tower, and the retention of four daily ferry crossings and a local medevac service.
     He says, "I have the experience and have developed a network of resources and relationships as we seek to improve the island. I've proved I can work with any level of government. As mayor I've tried to work for positive change. I believe in our future; we have a thriving community. I love Grand Manan and am proud to be a Grand Mananer. Keep it clean; vote for Dennis Greene."
     Advance polls will be open Saturday, April 30, and Monday, May 2, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the community center. Election day is Monday, May 9, from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. at the same location.