Although she’s still considering her future, outgoing Mayor Lynn Peterson knows it’s going to be a positive one.
Speaking at her last city council meeting as mayor Monday night, Peterson told her colleagues that while they may not have always agreed, she’s confident council always had the city’s best interests in mind.
"I know you’ll never ever be anything less than dedicated to this community," Peterson said, tearing up a little before receiving a standing ovation.
After the meeting Peterson said she’s still not sure what she will do after 22 years in city service, seven as mayor.
"Well, I’m still considering," Peterson said.
First elected as mayor in 2003, defeating 2010 challenger Frank Pullia, controversial Coun. Orville Santa and Don Slobojan, Peterson won a landslide re-election in 2006, taking more than 80 per cent of the vote.
Under her watch the city finally began development of the city’s waterfront, a $130-million project that drew the wrath of a vocal group in Thunder Bay opposed to the idea of hotels and condos at Marina Park.
Never one to boast about her accomplishments, Peterson was a tireless worker behind the scenes, say her colleagues.
As a lobbyist she was a force, particularly in helping Bombardier land the Toronto Transit Commission streetcar deal, a contract originally awarded to a foreign company.
It wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Peterson took heat for her support of Horizon Wind’s planned turbine farm on the Nor’Wester Mountain range, a deal that has left the city facing a $126-million lawsuit.
But it was something she believed in, a trait that made her so good at her job, said one fellow councillor.
"I’ve never worked with a mayor with more passion for the city," said at-large representative Iain Angus.
City manager Tim Commisso said Peterson’s focus has always been on Thunder Bay in the two years he’s worked with her.
"Her heart is in this community and she has passion for the community," Commisso said. "I love working with people with passion, that are looking at moving the community forward in a positive way. And I think that’s what I most enjoyed about working with her."
When asked whether she’ll stay in politics Peterson smiled and said "I don’t know".
Outgoing McKellar councillor Robert Tuchenhagen said he’s not sure yet what he’ll miss about being on council, but he is looking forward to getting to bed earlier on Monday nights and more time with his three young children.
"The problem with city council is you guys don’t always vote the way I want you to," Tuchenhagen joked during his speech to councillors, before adding he always knows that his fellow councillors vote with their hearts and minds.
Tuchenhagen said he’s looking forward to less stress in his life.
"Am I going to miss this place? Probably, but it’s going to take a while," Tuchenhagen said.
Council voted Monday to approve a $563,532.05 contract to Manshield Construction for sixth floor renovations at the Whalen Building. It also approved city transit to charter three buses per day for transportation during the Special Olympic Winter Games hosted in the city next year. Coun. Andrew Foulds said it was the right thing to do.
"This sort of builds the reputation that Thunder Bay is a sports town," Foulds said.
