Candidates speak

Crime, senior services and what to do for the city’s youth were among the hot topics discussed at Thursday night’s ward candidate forum.

The Ring of Fire, jobs and water security were also addressed, once the event centre was discusses at length.

Northwood candidates were asked specifically what they would do to deal with and solve the crime issues facing the city.

Police officer Jim Mauro said the problems aren’t new.

“What I think we need to do first and foremost is we need to make our streets safe again. We need to ensure there are enough people on the street as police officers that deter crime, not simply react to it,” Mauro said.

Shelby Ch’ng said the city’s social narrative has to change.

“How can we be realistic about crime without fear mongering?” she asked.

“Our police officers do a great job, but they need our help.”

Ch’ng said she’s putting her money where her mouth is, recently volunteering for Thunder Bay Police Service’s zone watch program, adding praise to Shelter House’s managed alcohol program.

Incumbent Mark Bentz said he’s fully committed to fully implementing zone watch in Northwood.

“That brings eyes on the street. That’s what we need,” he said. “I’m also a huge advocate of the crime prevention council.”

Meanwhile Frank Armiento said crime is out of control.

“My car has been broken into three times in four years,” the third-time candidate said.

“We have a major problem in Northwood. You cannot leave your car open at night. They’re coming by every night.”

He thinks more police, an enhanced neighbourhood watch program and beefing up areas that are being hit hardest is the answer.
When it comes to the Ring of Fire, candidates were divided on its importance.

“The Ring of Fire is not around the corner, unfortunately. It’s a long-term project. I don’t think we should be hanging our hats on the Ring of Fire,” said Westfort hopeful Frank Scarcello.

McIntyre Coun. Trevor Giertuga said the city has its mining readiness strategy which is doing much of the work, while Westfort’s Beatrice Metzler said the city needs to make sure it’s competitive with other communities.

Doug Powell, addressing senior issues, said the city is growing older and older and not everyone’s fiscal picture is as bright as it once was.

“A lot of people can’t afford the taxes,” he said.

McKellar's Kristian Kuznak said the city can do more for its oldest resident.

“I think there are a lot of things you can do that makes things more accessible he said.”

Poverty was another issue that arose, with McKellar Coun. Paul Pugh says more attention must be paid to affordable housing.

“It’s a tough hill to climb, and it would be much easier if we had the programs we had decades ago,” he said, criticizing the absence of both federal and provincial government funding.

Red River candidate David George Noonan suggested things like expanded community gardens are a way to help fight hunger.
“These are some of the small things we can do as city to reduce poverty,” he said.

Ch’ng said she knows all too well what it means to be poor.

“I wanted piano lessons so bad I probably would have kicked a kitten for it,” she said.

Jon Pukila wanted to know what council hopefuls would do to solve the infrastructure problem.

“The state of the roads is just abysmal,” he said.

Armiento said the city must focus on storm-water management, criticizing the city’s decision to spend $66 million on the waterfront.

“We should have spent a lot more on our ward,” he said.