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The 2023 World Mayor Prize and Awards will be conferred on mayors who have demonstrated that by listening to and working closely with the citizens of their own communities as well as by forming partnerships and friendships with towns and cities at home and across borders, cities can succeed where nations struggle. Mayors shortlisted for the World Mayor Prize have been commended for their humanity, local leadership and their ability to bring people together. Tony Keats, Mayor of Dover, Newfoundland & Labrador, Canada, was given the 2023 World Mayor Community Award Commendations for Tony Keats Mayor of Dover, NL, Canada Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 Commended by Sheilagh O’Leary, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador I am the Deputy Mayor of the capital city of our province. I have had the incredible pleasure of working with Mayor Tony Keats on our provincial Municipalities Newfoundland & Labrador board. Tony has proven himself to be a compassionate colleague and leader in the small town of Dover in our province. Aside from his incredible work in his hometown, he has brought his vision and care to larger populations right across Canada. He has heart and integrity and has served the people of his hometown for over two decades. It is my privilege to acknowledge the great work and accomplishments of he and this small town that showed its big heart when welcoming stranded folks whose airplanes were grounded by the 911 tragedy. The kindness that he and his town demonstrated is indicative of the kind of leader Mayor Keats is. Best of luck Tony. You are certainly deserving of this recognition! Commended by Valerie H., River of Ponds, Newfoundland and Labrador Hi, my vote for World Mayor is Tony Keats of Dover, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The reason I vote for Tony Keats, is because he is from a small town in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. People don’t realize that small-town Mayors have the same job as large-town Mayors. They usually hold other jobs and are kept busy after hours with Council issues. I hope Tony Keats wins this award. It would be an absolute honor to him I’m sure and to the Municipal world in Newfoundland and Labrador. Thank you, Commended by Don H., St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador It gives me great pleasure to endorse Mayor Tony Keats of Dover for the World Mayor 2023 Award on behalf of the Board of Directors and employees of the Municipal Assessment Agency. Mayor Keats was first elected to municipal government in 1992 – an astounding 31 years in municipal government. He has held the position of mayor since 1996. Mayor Keats is well known for his volunteer service and is a tireless ambassador for his community and abroad. He believes in a strong work ethic and works very hard on behalf of the people he represents. Mayor Keats is a firm believer that spending time enriching your community and province is a great way to connect you to people and ideas that will positively impact your perceptions of the world. The excellent impact he has on his community and province is a reflection of his integrity, professionalism, and extraordinary engagement. In addition to his extensive duties as Mayor of Dover, he also serves on numerous committees, organizations and boards across the province and country. Mayor Keats is also renowned for his missionary work. In 2018, he travelled to La Paz, Bolivia, to assist the Bolivian Municipal Association in their efforts to encourage local economic development in municipalities. In preparation, Mayor Keats met with the association in Ottawa several times prior to travelling to Bolivia. Mayor Keats was also instrumental in assisting those stranded at the Gander International Airport during the 9/11 disaster. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Mayor Keats started a cooking show to try and boost morale to those in isolation. Additionally, he hosts “The Chambers” podcast on Spotify where he talks about municipal issues that affect us all, from clean drinking water, waste water, broadband, climate change, housing, taxes, inclusive communities, public safety, healthcare, transit, bi-laws, and everything in between. Numerous honours have been bestowed upon Mayor Keats, including the Torngat Municipal Achievement Award for Municipal Awareness and the Governor General of Canada's Outstanding Contribution Award. In 2017, Mayor Keats and his family were the recipients of the St. John Ambulance Life-Saving Award for their prompt response in saving a life. We are most fortunate to have Mayor Keats serve on our Board of Directors and cast our vote for this very-deserving individual! Commended by Dave G., Dover Mayor Keats is very approachable, very friendly and very well liked and cares very deeply about his town. The town is very lucky to have him has its mayor. Commended by Dwight D., Forestburg, Alberta I am very pleased to offer this support to Mayor Keats for the 2023 World Mayor Prize. Mayor Keats has been shortlisted with a group of individuals that are truly impressive, representing far greater numbers of citizens and size of municipalities. I would like to convey to the judges a sense of the unique challenges of representing your citizens in a community where absolutely everyone knows who you are, where you live and in all likelihood knows how to reach him at any time, day or night. It is becoming increasingly harder to be a public servant, particularly for those willing to put their name on a ballot and serve in a representative democratic role. In Canada we choose people to make decisions for us, but are quick to criticize when those decisions are not the ones we might have made ourselves, had we been willing to serve in the first-place. The demands on our elected officials are great and people expect them to be subject matter experts on everything a municipality is responsible for – often when being suspicious and often critical of professional staff hired for these purposes within a municipality. Mayors in Canada face even greater challenges, serving in a weak-Mayor system where they only have one vote, little if any sole responsibility or power while still being tasked and seen as the Municipal Leader and Chief Spokesperson and as such, the one who gets the blame when things may not turn out as planned. True this focus may give them the opportunity to garner more than their fair-share of credit for successes, but the good ones, like Mayor Keats, are the first to share the credit while being the one they accept the blame. The fact he has served for over 30 years in public office consecutively, and over 27 as Mayor is a clear testament to his dedication, devotion and compassion for his fellow citizens and all those he represents. I know any one of the nominees would be a worthy choice for this prestigious award. I lend me voice and support to the small-town nominee – as a rural-Albertan born and bred with the honour of working and serving in my hometown of under 1,000 people, I submit it would be a significant “win” for all rural residents to recognize the unique circumstances, challenges and expectations that Mayor Keats and so many like him face and find a way to achieve and excel at. Thank you for your consideration. Respectfully submitted, Commended by Brent P., Dover I would like to nominate Tony Keats for this grand award as he deserves it…Thank You Tony for saving my Brother Roys Life and for your family in being such amazing people. Commended by Chrish H., Newfoundland and Labrador Tony is an incredible person. He is kind, compassionate, committed and determined. He demonstrates all of these characteristics and more as a mayor. I wish all towns could experience what it was like to have a mayor like Tony! Commended by Roxanne C., Dover Wish to vote for Mayor Tony Keats. Mayor Keats goes above and beyond for his town and residents. Always there to give a helping hand, whether on a mayor level or personal. Tony is phenomenal at what he does and is very deserving of this award. One of the most dedicated Mayors Commended by Carl H.-N., Dover I am writing to passionately advocate for the progression of Mayor Keats to the next round of the World Mayor competition. Having witnessed Mayor Keats' remarkable leadership first hand and considering the overall impact he has had on our community; I firmly believe he deserves to win the esteemed top prize. Mayor Keats has been serving our municipality for the past 31 years! 27 of those years he has been the mayor. Mayor Keats has demonstrated an unparalleled dedication to the well-being and advancement of our city throughout his tenure. His relentless commitment to community development has significantly improved the quality of life for all residents. Under his visionary guidance, our city has witnessed tremendous growth, both economically and socially. Throughout his tenure, Mayor Keats has exemplified outstanding leadership that has positively transformed our city in numerous ways. His unwavering commitment to public service, innovative approaches, and remarkable accomplishments make him an exemplary candidate for recognition on a global stage. In conclusion, I wholeheartedly endorse Mayor Keats' advancement to the next round, and I firmly believe he is worthy of winning the top prize in the World Mayor competition. His extraordinary leadership, dedication to our community, and transformative accomplishments have left an indelible mark on our city. Thank you for considering my endorsement of Mayor Keats as a strong candidate in this esteemed competition. Your support and recognition would not only validate his tireless efforts but also serve as an inspiration to leaders worldwide Commended by C.R.N., Newfoundland and Labrador Mayor Keats has truly left an indelible mark on his community and beyond. His dedication to public service is evident through his extensive involvement in various councils, organizations, and committees throughout his province, country, and even internationally. One of Mayor Keats notable achievements is his long-standing service on the council. He has tirelessly worked to address the needs and concerns of his constituents, always striving to make their voices heard and their lives better. His commitment to local governance has earned him the respect and admiration of both his colleagues and the community he serves. In addition to his local contributions, Mayor Keats has also made significant strides on a national level. His involvement with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities showcases his passion for advocating for the interests of municipalities across the country. Through this platform, he has been instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives that promote sustainable development, enhance infrastructure, and improve the overall quality of life for Canadians. However, Mayor Keats impact extends far beyond the borders of his own country. His international involvement with the PTA in Bolivia demonstrates his unwavering commitment to global cooperation and understanding. By collaborating with international partners, Mayor Keats has fostered cultural exchange, shared best practices, and contributed to the betterment of education systems in Bolivia. His dedication to building bridges between nations is truly commendable and sets an inspiring example for others to follow. Mayor Keats achievements are a testament to his exceptional leadership, unwavering dedication, and genuine concern for the well-being of his community and the world at large. His tireless efforts have undoubtedly made a lasting impact, and it is for these reasons that he truly deserves this award. Mayor Keats ability to go above and beyond in his service to others is unparalleled, and his accomplishments serve as an inspiration to all those who aspire to make a difference in their communities. Commended by Sarah M., Newfoundland and Labrador Mayor Keats is an incredible representation of the hardworking and selfless mayors that keep rural Canada running. I’ve worked with Mayor Keats on countless research projects on a variety of topics related to rural resilience. Despite wearing many hats in his professional and personal life, Mayor Keats is always willing to share his knowledge and expertise, to ensure researchers get the story right, and research is mobilized to policy and practice. It is evident he truly listens to and cares for the citizens of Dover, and he is clearly committed to the role after over a quarter of a century of service. I have seen how beloved and well respected he is across Newfoundland and Labrador, and the important contributions he has made through leadership roles in Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. Without a doubt Mayor Keats deserves to win the 2023 World Mayor Prize. Commended by Derrick B., Fogo-Cape Freels, Newfoundland and Labrador I’ve known Mayor Tony Keats for the past number of years. This I know, he cares for the people in his community. And forever is involved in peoples’ lives. Helping comes as second nature to him. If I could vote for him a thousand times I would. His care and compassion is second to none. Therefore, as MHA for his District, I’m proud to support him. Commended by Craig W., Conception Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador I have known Tony about 12 years. I was a new mayor in my town in Conception Harbour. I married a girl from Dover. I spent many days talking and picking his brain on all things municipal when I would visit. He is a great mentor and friend. Commended by B.D.R., Modeste, Newfoundland and Labrador I have known Mayor Tony Keats for several years. He is a strong Leader and was the President of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) for years. He not only looks after his town and the neighbouring towns but also his citizens. Mayor Keats is also the head postmaster of his town. The knowledge he has is impressive. Every year, he runs the Dover Fault Festival, the Annual Easter Egg Hunt, and several other events aimed at rejoicing his citizens. I am proud to count Mayor Keats as my Friend. Commended by Judi J. Reno, Nevada, USA Happy to vote for Mayor Keats. Coming from a tourist town myself, Tony and the people I met in Dover exemplify hospitality. He took time out of his day off, Saturday, to give me a personal tour of the historical Dover Fault. To be elected so many years in a row, he must be doing something right! Commended by M. D., Dover As a resident of Dover, I would like to vote for Mr. Tony Keats for World Mayor as he has gone above and beyond for our community. Commended by Terry D., Dover As a resident of Dover, I have known Mr. Keats as major of the town for over 20 years. He goes above and beyond to fulfill his duties as mayor of the town of Dover. I would like to vote Mr. Keats as World Mayor. Commended by Brian H., Passadena, Newfoundland and Labrador I have witnessed Mayor Keats passion and leadership in the municipal sector for more than a decade from the point of view as a municipal Chief Administrative Officer. Mayor Keats is a selfless and tireless champion for his improving his community. He is the definition of the most dedicated community leader pushing for positive enhancements and change within the municipal sector for his municipality, region, province and country. Tony is a fantastic collaborator and faciliator who easily connects with residents, politicians and administrators from the smallest of communities, to those on the national stage. Having volunteered for 30+ years to help strengthen his community, province and country, there could be no more fitting person for this award than Mayor Keats! Commended by Charles B. Gambo, Newfoundland and Labrador I proudly cast my vote for Tony Keats of Dover for this prestigious award. To be included on this global list places him already in the winner’s circle. His 20 years of dealing with challenges associated with governing small towns proves he is no quitter; his vision extends beyond any self-interest agenda. His leadership and interpersonal relationship skills have gained him confidence and acclaim at the local, provincial, national, and international levels. He is not only a talker, but also a listener, and a doer; he gets things done. His boundless energy in trying to improve the quality of life of others is an inspiration to all. Commended by MEG, Mount Peal, Newfoundland and Labrador It is a pleasure to vote for Mr Keats, a man who has his town, it's people and community in his heart and mind and foremost in his decisions that he makes for his people. Mr Keats does not take his responsibilities lightly!! His love for the province, for the community that he so proudly represents is seen every day, not just during election time!!! I only wish that more elected officials in municipal, provincial and federal politics would take a page out of his ' playbook' and be half as dedicated, half as caring and half as honest as Mr. Keats is. I wish Mr. Keats only the best in everything that he continues to achieve!!! Commended by Maureen BT, Corner Brook, Newfoundland and Labrador I would like to cast my vote for Tony Keats, the mayor of Dover, NL, Canada for this prestigious award. His commitment and dedication to his people and community for more then 25 years, as well as the whole province, in municipal leadership is commendable and inspiring. As the position of mayor is not motivated by financial gain, as salary is little or none, his devotion to making his community a better place to live is rewarded by the people he serves by their faith in him and a testament to this man's commitment and leadership. Congratulations Tony on a job well done and to being included on this list which in itself is an accomplishment. Your community no doubt are very proud. Good Luck going forward! Commended by David J, ex-Canadian Armed Forces Tony Keats is a pillar of the community that has provided superb guidance and outstanding leadership! He has the utmost respect for all the people he meets. His genuine concern for making the world a better place should be emulated by all! Commended by Greg L, Newfoundland and Labrador Congrats on the big list, what an achievement. Commended by Daphne N., St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador I would like to cast my vote for Mayor Keats. He has served the community well having been mayor since 1996. So proud of him, and well deserved. Commended by Gerry O’B., Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador I have followed municipal affairs in the media for decades in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and I believe that Tony Keats exemplifies the role of mayor of a small town. He represents his town, his region, his province and his country in the best possible way. Tony Keats has taken volunteering to a new level with his involvement at the local, provincial and national levels. He is a superb example for youth interested in volunteering, as well as those who want to become involved in politics to help improve their communities. Commended by Deanna J, St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador I don’t know Mayor Keats personally but I've read several of the wonderful commendations about him. It sounds like he's been doing a wonderful. So, as a fellow Newfoundlander, I take great pleasure in voting for Mayor Keats for World Mayor. I wish him tons of good luck! Commended by Bronda A., Newfoundland and Labrador Add me to the growing number of supporters for Mayor Tony Keats of Dover, NL as World Mayor. An exceptional, dedicated and admired leader. Commended by Laura W., Newfoundland and Labrador I want to add a vote for Tony Keats. who saved the life of a son of a classmate of mine. Commended by Leonard S., St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador It takes a unique person to lead a small rural town which in turn helps to maintain the unique lifestyles and historic customs and culture of Newfoundland and Labrador. Commended by Perry W., Paradise, Newfoundland and Labrador He works tirelessly with his town plus surrounding communities to ensure that everyone benefits from their relationships. Commended by Darelene B., Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, Canada Good luck Mayor Tony Keats in the 2023 World Mayor contest. You seem to be doing more than your part as the Mayor of Dover, but not just for your community, but other communities as well. You seem to be very committed. Well done. With hopes you win. Your representation in this 2023 World Mayor contest is shining a light on your community of Dover, your province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and your country Canada, well done!! Commended by D. H., Witless Bay, Newfoundland and Labrador After reading all the favorable endorsements, I strongly suggest Mayor Keats of Dover, NL Commended by Ed D., Newfoundland and Labrador Tony has had the support of his community for 25 years and the wider provincial and national communities through his involvement with the federation of municipalities. Go Tony ! Commended by Patsy Y., St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador Tony Keats is an outstanding Newfoundland and Labradorian who has contributed endless volunteer hours to support his own community, adjoining communities and the provincial body of Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador. Definitely deserves to win. Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | For your information: The World Mayor Project, organised by the philanthropic City Mayors Foundation since 2004, has no connection with any city or organisation and is run on strictly non-commercial lines. 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