Candidates had plenty to say at Thursday night’s ward candidate forum, hosted by the Lakehead District Labour Council at the Moose Hall.
Here’s a sampling of what they had to say, in case you weren’t one of the 100 or so voters and supporters who showed up.
“We must reinvest in our parks and roads. We need to reinvest in our youth. We need a vision for what Thunder Bay can be.” – Coun. Andrew Foulds, Current River
“I do not believe the city has enough councillors who understand the Thunder Bay business community.” – Claudio Monteleone, Current River candidate
“My goal is to earn the trust and confidence of all of our citizens once again.” – Andy Wolff, Current River candidate
“There are no promises. All we can do is do what we can do, when we can do it. But infrastructure is definitely first.” – Douglas Powell, McKellar candidate
“I know what it’s like to make tough decisions. I also know what it’s like to live with the consequences of those decisions. But they have to be made.” – Geoff Abthorpe, Neebing candidate, on what his military experience brings to the table
“I’m looking to bring a fresh face on. We don’t see a lot of youth running in municipal politics.” – Austin Haner, Neebing candidate
“We have to watch out for one another. That's what we have to do in this community.” – Coun. Mark Bentz, Northwood
"I wanted piano lessons so bad I probably would have kicked a kitten for it." – Shelby Ch’ng, Northwood candidate, on growing up poor.
"One in five children in this community lives in poverty. On our watch. That has to stop." – Coun. Andrew Foulds
"People shouldn't have to worry every time it rains if their basement is going to be flooded." – Jim Mauro, Northwood candidate
"A plebiscite would have brought people out. A real bad mayor will bring people out to vote.” – Dick Waddington, Current River candidate
“I love this city and I want to continue to do what we`ve been doing for the last four years.” – Brian McKinnon, Red River candidate
“For better or worse this election has become about an event centre.” – Paul Sloan, Red River candidate
“We also have to find businesses that complement our current strengths, like health sciences.” – David George Noonan, Red River candidate
“City council should be the mouthpiece of the people, not the mouthpiece of administration.” – Frank Scarcello, Westfort candidate
“One of the best crime prevention methods I know is putting more police officers on the street." – John Radl, Westfort candidate
“Every councillor who is elected needs to make our taxes affordable.” – Beatrice Metzler, Westfort candidate
“This city needs leadership and many of the incumbents are counting on fear of the new people to get them re-elected." – Paul Sloan, Red River candidate
"Life is unaffordable for many families." – Jim Mauro, Northwood candidate
