Andrew Brigham believes there needs to be more transparency at city hall.
The technology services manager at Lakehead University was partly motivated to throw his hat into the at-large race due to frustration with how the current council conducted much of their business.
“I’m looking for a council that communicates a little clearer and a council that is more transparent,” Brigham said.
The 38-year-old married father of two teenage sons also wants them, as well as other local youth, to understand the value of getting involved in the political process.
It’s important for them to know they can make a difference.
“I want to show my boys that there is more than just voting and that they can participate in an election, even at their age,” he said.
Between record infrastructure spending and other capital projects, Brigham believes many potential opportunities have been missed to solve ongoing social issues.
It’s up to council to focus on all areas of need, rather than just tackling one.
“They’ve taken away a focus on affordable housing and vacancy rates in Thunder Bay,” he said.
“I think we have to look at and compare ourselves to other cities and what they’re doing well. I think we need to look closer and spend some time re-evaluating what we’re doing.”
He expressed apprehension with the proposed event centre project, which has now entered its fourth stage.
While Brigham commended the current council for their phased approach to the project, he believes they might be getting a little ahead of themselves as they try to rush it forward.
Getting those matching funds from senior levels of governments might not be as easy as some want people to think.
“There is still a lot more planning to do and a lot more communication that needs to be done with the citizens of Thunder Bay,” Brigham said.
“If the funding is there from both the provincial and federal governments I think absolutely it should be built.”
