THUNDER BAY -- Newcomer Charmaine McCraw is putting her name in the race for councillor at-large.
McCraw announced her commitment on Tuesday afternoon via press release.
Born and raised in Northwestern Ontario, McCraw works as a project manager for ORIGIN, a local recruitment centre that seeks employment opportunities for Indigenous peoples.
McCraw has also worked as a development officer for the township of Nipigon, and an economic and resource manager for Nishnawbe Aski Nation.
“I believe that this is a beautiful city, with a lot of people who are making their way through life,” McCraw said via press release. “I believe that as a city, we are responsible to provide each and every person living here the right to feel safe… and become productive members of this city we call home.”
McCraw attended Lakehead University, graduating with a pre-law in political science.
The press release stated her platform will be centred on the need for fiscal responsibility and restoration of honourable relations within the city. She cites a lack of economic development, affordable housing, inadequate health-care for seniors, and the city’s shrinking population as her points of emphasis.
“I will do everything I can to find solutions, create open dialogue about methods positioning our city for growth and bring a fresh perspective to Thunder Bay’s city council.”
Two other canadidates also put their names forward on Tuesday in the at-large contest. Norm Staal, who narrowly missed election 2010 with a seventh-place showing, and Stephen Lawrence Margarit also filed, bringing the total to 21 seeking the five available at-large seats.
McCraw is the 19th contestant to put in her name, with incumbent Rebecca Johnson expected to file to run at-large this week. The deadline to file is Friday at 2 p.m.
