THUNDER BAY – With budget deliberation right around the corner, mayor-elect Bill Mauro wants the newly elected city council to hit the ground running.
Mauro, a former two-term city councillor who spent 15 years as an MPP and cabinet minister in the recently defeated provincial Liberal government, was joined on Monday at city hall by five of the other six newcomers and a handful or council returnees for an orientation session ahead of next week’s public swearing-in ceremony.
The newly elected mayor, who will take over from the outgoing Keith Hobbs, said he’s already had several meetings with city manager Norm Gale and other staff and councillors, an attempt to get a handle on what promises to be a complicated budget process.
“You hit the ground running so to speak. The major decision is right in front of you as a new group. That will begin immediately, post New Year’s. For me, what I’ve said to people is the first four months really will define us over the next four years, in terms of what we will look like, what we’re willing to spend some time on and what changes we think are necessary, to be made,” Mauro said.
“You really are faced with some important decisions right off the hop.”
Kristen Oliver, who ousted Joe Virdiramo in Westfort, said she expects to get her budget books just before Christmas, and said she plans to go over them during the holiday break to prepare for deliberations to begin in January.
“It’ll get us some exposure into the budget process and start identifying what we want to see in the budget in 2019,” she said.
Oliver added she’s excited to officially start working for her constituents in Westfort and around the City of Thunder Bay.
“I’m excited because there are people around our community that are excited. I think there’s a rejuvenation felt, even amongst our incumbent councillors that are returning. They’re re-energized with the new energy and positive feelings people are bringing to the table right now,” Oliver said.
Neebing’s Cody Fraser, the youngest member of the new city council, said the sessions are a great way to learn the roles and responsibilities of a councillor, the rules and regulations they face, and to get to know some of the veterans who will help guide them along their political journey.
It’s already begun, Fraser said.
“Many of the councillors that have been around for a long time, have reached out, almost immediately after the election,” Fraser said. “They’ve been exceptionally helpful, very encouraging and giving great advice.
“I think the wealth of experience around the table, mixed with a great variety of new blood and I’m really excited about being around the table.”
Fraser said jumping into budget season is a lot to ask of a new council, but added he thinks they’re up for the task.
“On an election year, it is a lot for a new councillor to take in, but we have a good mix. We’re about 50-50 turnover, the veterans are helping out the rookies and it’s great.”
