Peter Llewellyn insists there is no conflict of interest in his role as mayor and a partner in the Engine No 6 Restaurant in Georgetown.

Engine No 6 is owned by the Georgetown and Area Development Corporation, which has nine members including Georgetown councillors Craig Murphy and Wade Williams.
Mr Llewellyn partnered with Don Taylor, who was former owner of the Georgetown Inn, to take over the lease of the restaurant.

Mr Taylor was one of two parties to submit a proposal to the development corporation.
The development corporation is considered a separate entity, and does not get any money from the town.
Mr Llewellyn said he wasn’t involved in any of the discussions between Mr Taylor and the development corporation.
“I never did any of the presentations. I wasn’t even there,” he said. “I didn’t take part in anything. I didn’t have any part in the vote.”

Mr Llewellyn said his 25 years experience with the seafood industry will help in this new venture.
“I have a background in the seafood industry; that’s why he wanted me in,” he said. “I called some of my friends in the industry to try and get the best seafood.”

Mr Llewellyn said one can never control what people think, but he says people shouldn’t perceive his part in this venture as a conflict of interest.

“I’m a businessman investing in our community,” he said.

Gerry MacKenzie, vice-chair of the development corporation, said there was no mention of Mr Llewellyn becoming involved in the venture during discussions with Mr Taylor.

“We never knew of him being a partner. When we dealt with this we were just dealing with Don. He (Mr Llewellyn) might have went on as a partner afterwards.”

Mr MacKenzie said the two parties had excellent proposals, but the board thought Mr Taylor's better suited to the town.
“When tourists come into a fishing town, they’re expecting a seafood restaurant," he said.

Engine No 6 was run last season by Robin Campbell, who operated a cafe-style establishment.
Renovations are currently being made to the facility's kitchen and the restaurant is expected to open the first week in June.