Everything might not be great in Thunder Bay right now but the sky isn't falling either, says Frank Pullia.
The former at-large councillor, running for a seat again, said a balance needs to be struck with city council based on fiscal prudence. Right now everything from water rates to insurance to property taxes are increasing making it harder for working class families.
With high youth unemployment rates, he's also concerned about the city's future. A steady hand is needed to guide city council to take a critical look at what works and what doesn't when it comes to city finances.
"It's not all good or all bad," he said. "We need to be realistic. That's what we're there for."
That critical look includes going through city budgets line-by-line and disagreeing with city administration when necessary.
"Not to be cheerleaders for administration. We need to work with them, respect them. Challenge them respectfully," Pullia added.
People encouraged him to run because of increases in taxes and crime rates fueled by addiction. Pullia has been busy since he left the council table with his accounting and consulting business along with helping out various not-for-profit agencies. He said that makes him a perfect fit for council.
"I didn't disappear. I'm always involved because I believe in representing the community and helping any way we can. I'm a community activist," he said.
The proposed event centre could be an economic catalyst but it needs to produce net positive results for the whole city. City council needs to consider how it will impact everything from the auditorium to hotels. It's a large, progressive investment that needs a good return.
"At the end of the day you're going to take away from local business," he said.
While some on council dismiss studies and rankings that show declines in the city, Pullia said maybe they should pay more attention and try to put a focus on areas that need improvement.
"They're seeing things that maybe we don't see."
