Politics Mayoralty candidate Ivan Court, a long-time educator, says he has learned the value of working hard

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SAINT JOHN - Editor's note: This is the first of a series of five profiles of the candidates in the Saint John mayoralty race.

Ivan Court

It's a sunny Saturday afternoon and Ivan Court is busy campaigning on Saint John's east side.

His daughter Nicole and five-year-old grandson Tristan - by far his Papa's most enthusiastic volunteer - join the veteran councillor and another campaign worker in helping distribute information pamphlets.

As the long-time municipal politician and retired educator makes his way from one modest home to another on a quiet street, an SUV stops in the middle of the road. Stan Aubie emerges from the truck and makes his way toward Court, arm extended.

"Ivan Court - great to see you," says Aubie as the men shake hands. "I just wanted to wish you good luck. You're the best man for the job."

As he travels from one neighbourhood to another, Court doesn't allow himself to get too excited about a poll that puts him in first place among the five candidates vying for the top job. He's been around long enough to know that the only poll that counts is on election day - in this case May 12.

"I'm just going to keep working just as hard as if I'm in last place," he says.

Over the years, he's served as a board member on more than two dozen community organizations. He also touched the lives of thousands of children during a 33-year teaching career.

Court learned about the value of a hard day's work while growing up in the city's north end and he's not afraid to roll up his sleeves and do things himself - an attitude that often leads to days that begin at 7 a.m. and can last well past midnight.

"I was taught hard work is very rewarding and sometimes it's not about money, it's about helping people," he said. "The bottom line is I've been trying to help people my entire life and I always try to defend those who can't defend themselves. I have the educational background, I have the blue-collar work ethic and I understand hard work."

Court first ran for council in 1988 and after serving three terms on council, he decided to seek the mayor's chair.

He says his background, his track record and his dedication will serve him well as mayor.

"I don't think there's anybody running against me who works any harder than I do," he said. "I don't think there's anybody running against me who has my academic background, or my integrity or my spirit to work for the citizens.

"When I make a commitment, it's a total commitment to the people I'm working with or for. I get along well with people."

Court has heard the calls for greater transparency at City Hall and he pledges to take one of the most important file - the budget - and bring the deliberation process back out into the open where it was in the past.

"We used to have these public discussions, but we got away from them," he said. "I always thought that was wrong. I thought we should be spending more time on the budget - not just get it handed down."

The city has to stop handing over money to every good cause that comes along looking for a handout, Court says. It's important to stick to the budget once it has been set. That's why he wants to hear from everyone who wants a share of the budget pie before the document is approved. He suggests Saturday morning sessions open to the public would help educate the taxpayers on the process.

"For example, the Cherry Brook Zoo needs help," he says. "But it's also one of about 100 agencies that will come to the city asking for funds. It has to be open and transparent and Saturday morning, or a weeknight, would make it more accessible."

Court is not concerned about polls and he doesn't worry if he's labelled a critic when others don't agree with his opinion.

"I think people are more important than anything else," he said, noting his time with the late Esmonde Barry with the Friends of St. Joseph's Hospital. "We fought side-by-side for 15 years. Even though we were critics, everyone realized we were doing things to help people. And I think they respected us for that."