For the full interview, listen in to Connecting Albert County: The Audio Edit, wherever you stream your podcasts, or above.
Darren Phillips, a lifelong resident of Lower Coverdale, is one of two candidates running for the Ward 6 council seat in the 2026 Fundy Albert municipal election. A long-time business owner, Phillips says his campaign is driven by a commitment to community values, economic fairness, and ensuring residents feel heard.
Darren Phillips, a lifelong resident of Lower Coverdale, is one of two candidates running for the Ward 6 council seat in the 2026 Fundy Albert municipal election. A long-time business owner, Phillips says his campaign is driven by a commitment to community values, economic fairness, and ensuring residents feel heard.
Background and Experience
Phillips was born and raised in Lower Coverdale and has deep ties to the region. He has operated his own business locally for 23 years, following 15 years working in General Motors dealerships.
“My heart’s in Albert County,” he said.
He also highlighted his religious beliefs and faith and family life as central to his identity, noting God first, then his wife and three children.
Leadership Style
Drawing from his experience as an employer, Phillips described a hands-on, people-focused leadership approach.
“Everybody’s voice is heard… nobody goes unheard,” he said.
“I need to see and talk to people. I can’t just do it from a computer,” Phillips emphasized, when talking of the importance of direct interaction rather than remote decision-making.
While he has not held formal community leadership roles, Phillips pointed to his business as a way he has supported the local economy and workforce.
Approach to Conflict
Phillips said conflict resolution should focus on listening and identifying shared ground.
“You have to hear everybody’s side of the story… everybody has to count,” he said.
He described his approach as finding “the common denominator” to reach resolutions.
Decision to Run
Phillips said entering municipal politics has been a long-standing interest but was previously limited by time constraints.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.
With changes in his business allowing more flexibility, he decided to run, though he acknowledged the decision came quickly.
“I’m kind of going in blind here,” he said.
Key Issues and Priorities
Phillips said conversations with customers at his business have shaped his understanding of local concerns, particularly around affordability and family well-being.
“I hear a lot of stories about kids being hungry,” he said.
He emphasized that improving economic conditions should begin with supporting families and addressing basic needs.
Time Commitment
Phillips said he is confident in his ability to manage the demands of council, citing his track record of following through on commitments.
“When I commit to something, I don’t back out of it,” he said.
Training and Governance
Phillips supports mandatory training for councillors, drawing parallels to the importance of training in business. “I think everybody should be prepared,” he said.
He described his familiarity with the New Brunswick Local Governance Act as limited but expressed willingness to learn if elected.
Transparency and Accountability
Phillips emphasized the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest and increasing openness in decision-making.
“I don’t think that there ever should be a conflict of interest,” he said.
He also called for fewer closed-door meetings and clearer communication with residents.
“People want to know what’s going on and why,” he said.
Environment and Natural Resources
Phillips stressed the importance of protecting the natural environment while managing resources responsibly. “I don’t think we should be chopping them down and leaving barren land,” he said.
He expressed strong opposition to glyphosate spraying, framing it as a public health concern.
“Would you… let [the sprayers] drink it? I don’t think he would,” he said.
Housing, Cost of Living, and Poverty
Phillips acknowledged the challenges facing residents but noted uncertainty about the municipality’s direct role in addressing them.
“I’m not sure what the powers of the municipality is… but every child should have something good to eat,” he said.
He emphasized the need to secure more funding for the region. “It doesn’t appear that we’re getting our fair share of money,” he added.
Economic Development
Phillips identified small business growth as central to economic development.
“90% of our taxes come from small business,” he said.
He suggested that supporting entrepreneurship and attracting investment could strengthen the local economy, particularly outside seasonal tourism areas like Alma.
Arts, Culture, and Community Life
Phillips said arts and culture play an important role in attracting visitors and enriching community life. “It brings a lot of people in the area and I think it’s good,” he said.
He noted that investment in these areas depends on securing sufficient funding.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure, particularly roads, was identified as a key concern. “They’re in bad shape. The bridges are bad,” he said.
Phillips suggested exploring new funding strategies and designations, such as promoting Route 114 as a tourism road to secure additional maintenance funding.
Closing Thoughts
Phillips concluded by emphasizing his commitment to representing residents and listening to their concerns. He added that his goal is to ensure residents feel satisfied that their concerns are acknowledged and addressed.
“The people’s voices would be heard through me,” he said.
Contact Phillips by phone: 506-380-8897 and email : [email protected]
Phillips was born and raised in Lower Coverdale and has deep ties to the region. He has operated his own business locally for 23 years, following 15 years working in General Motors dealerships.
“My heart’s in Albert County,” he said.
He also highlighted his religious beliefs and faith and family life as central to his identity, noting God first, then his wife and three children.
Leadership Style
Drawing from his experience as an employer, Phillips described a hands-on, people-focused leadership approach.
“Everybody’s voice is heard… nobody goes unheard,” he said.
“I need to see and talk to people. I can’t just do it from a computer,” Phillips emphasized, when talking of the importance of direct interaction rather than remote decision-making.
While he has not held formal community leadership roles, Phillips pointed to his business as a way he has supported the local economy and workforce.
Approach to Conflict
Phillips said conflict resolution should focus on listening and identifying shared ground.
“You have to hear everybody’s side of the story… everybody has to count,” he said.
He described his approach as finding “the common denominator” to reach resolutions.
Decision to Run
Phillips said entering municipal politics has been a long-standing interest but was previously limited by time constraints.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.
With changes in his business allowing more flexibility, he decided to run, though he acknowledged the decision came quickly.
“I’m kind of going in blind here,” he said.
Key Issues and Priorities
Phillips said conversations with customers at his business have shaped his understanding of local concerns, particularly around affordability and family well-being.
“I hear a lot of stories about kids being hungry,” he said.
He emphasized that improving economic conditions should begin with supporting families and addressing basic needs.
Time Commitment
Phillips said he is confident in his ability to manage the demands of council, citing his track record of following through on commitments.
“When I commit to something, I don’t back out of it,” he said.
Training and Governance
Phillips supports mandatory training for councillors, drawing parallels to the importance of training in business. “I think everybody should be prepared,” he said.
He described his familiarity with the New Brunswick Local Governance Act as limited but expressed willingness to learn if elected.
Transparency and Accountability
Phillips emphasized the importance of avoiding conflicts of interest and increasing openness in decision-making.
“I don’t think that there ever should be a conflict of interest,” he said.
He also called for fewer closed-door meetings and clearer communication with residents.
“People want to know what’s going on and why,” he said.
Environment and Natural Resources
Phillips stressed the importance of protecting the natural environment while managing resources responsibly. “I don’t think we should be chopping them down and leaving barren land,” he said.
He expressed strong opposition to glyphosate spraying, framing it as a public health concern.
“Would you… let [the sprayers] drink it? I don’t think he would,” he said.
Housing, Cost of Living, and Poverty
Phillips acknowledged the challenges facing residents but noted uncertainty about the municipality’s direct role in addressing them.
“I’m not sure what the powers of the municipality is… but every child should have something good to eat,” he said.
He emphasized the need to secure more funding for the region. “It doesn’t appear that we’re getting our fair share of money,” he added.
Economic Development
Phillips identified small business growth as central to economic development.
“90% of our taxes come from small business,” he said.
He suggested that supporting entrepreneurship and attracting investment could strengthen the local economy, particularly outside seasonal tourism areas like Alma.
Arts, Culture, and Community Life
Phillips said arts and culture play an important role in attracting visitors and enriching community life. “It brings a lot of people in the area and I think it’s good,” he said.
He noted that investment in these areas depends on securing sufficient funding.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure, particularly roads, was identified as a key concern. “They’re in bad shape. The bridges are bad,” he said.
Phillips suggested exploring new funding strategies and designations, such as promoting Route 114 as a tourism road to secure additional maintenance funding.
Closing Thoughts
Phillips concluded by emphasizing his commitment to representing residents and listening to their concerns. He added that his goal is to ensure residents feel satisfied that their concerns are acknowledged and addressed.
“The people’s voices would be heard through me,” he said.
Contact Phillips by phone: 506-380-8897 and email : [email protected]
RSS Feed