The newly-elected mayor of Wabana says he cherished every moment working with former longtime mayor Gary Gosine, and plans to continue important infrastructure work in the community.

Philip Tobin says the Bell Island town has a lot of projects ahead, including some much-needed roadwork.

For example, he says seven kilometres of new asphalt is being laid down at a cost of $3 million.

“We haven’t had new asphalt in 10 years,” he notes.

Tobin says the town is also staying on top of health care recruitment.

The ferry service is another obvious priority, with Tobin saying he’s already made contact on that issue with area MHA and Transportation Minister Fred Hutton.

Gosine had been the mayor of Wabana for 35 years before announcing his retirement recently.

Tobin won a byelection this week to replace him, receiving 525 of the 815 votes cast.