Meet the Candidates: Geoff Abthorpe

Geoff Abthorpe wants to make a change in the community.

The married father of two is looking to unseat incumbent Linda Rydholm in the Neebing Ward this Oct. 27 in the municipal election and he feels the biggest issue facing the city is creating opportunities for young people to stay through economic development.

Born and raised in Northwestern Ontario, Abthorpe, 45, left the city after university because there were no employment opportunities for him.

“In an attempt to make an income, I joined the Canadian Armed Forces, which took me away for 25 years to various places around the world,” he said.

Three years ago, Abthorpe was posted back in the city as command of the units at the Thunder Bay Armoury.

“In that process, I’ve learned about my city and reconnected with my family and seen the issues that have struck home here,’ said Abthorpe.

Instead of sitting on the sidelines being critical of the city’s government, Abthorpe wanted to make a change to improve and advance Thunder Bay economically and socially.

He believes the proposed event centre is one way to bring some necessary economic development.

“We need it for the continued growth of our city. We need it to appeal to all generations, but particularly the young and to provide the opportunity for much more broad activities to go on, whether it be sports, conventions or entertainment,” said Abthorpe.

Although the event centre is a critical point of discussion in this election, Abthorpe hopes it isn’t the deciding factor. He says the city’s issues seem to be cyclical and he’d like to help address them.

“I bring to the table an ability to analyze the situation, make a solid decision on it and stick by that decision and carry it through to completion,” he said.


Website: www.abthorpe.ca/
Twitter: @GAbthorpe