Another run

A familiar face on city council has entered the mayoral race.

Current at-large councillor Frank Pullia filed his papers for the now five-candidate race to become mayor of the City of Thunder Bay Thursday afternoon. He spoke to reporters Thursday afternoon at city hall just after making his nomination official.

Pullia said as the city experiences new opportunities and challenges in the economy, he has the experience to help a city he loves. Pullia added that he believes he could direct those changes better as the mayor than he could as an at-large councillor, which is the position he now fills.

"I think we need the experience that can manage those changes and can help create jobs and address the issues of crime and also beautify the city," Pullia said.

"(Those are) all the things that people have talked to me about over the summer and throughout the years."

Saying he expects a good mayoral race, Pullia said mayor Lynn Peterson, who beat Pullia by almost 13,000 votes in his last mayoral attempt in 2003, has done a good job. However, the mayoral hopeful said Thunder Bay needs a more inclusive mayor who listens to the taxpayer.

"There’s always opportunities to improve on what we haven’t been able to achieve you know there are concerns all the time," he said. "I think the type of leadership style that people are looking for is someone who is more engaged more in the front lines who listens to their concerns."

Pullia was on city council for the McIntyre ward from 1994 to 1997 and has been an at-large councillor since 2006. This is his fourth attempt at mayor.

Pulia joins current Mayor Lynn Peterson, former police association president Keith Hobs, energy consultant Jeff Irwin and Brian Kwasny.