The Conservative incumbent in Central Newfoundland is citing a recent rise in crime in the riding as one of the issues of concern to voters.

Clifford Small was re-elected in the riding last night, handily beating the Liberal candidate, outspoken health care advocate Dr. Lynette Powell.

Small says affordability was a major issue raised when he was campaigning door-to-door, but public safety and perceived lack of action in addressing rising crime rates was another serious concern for voters in the region.

“The shocking rise in crime over the last ten years,” says Small, “in our rural communities and neighbourhoods, was making people want a change in government that would address that.”