The mayor says he’s been busy this past year but it’s been worth it.
Keith Hobbs won the mayor’s chair in October 2010. Since then he’s attended over 1,900 events and has been working an average of 110 hours per week.
“It’s been really hectic but I think it’s been rewarding,” Hobbs said recently during one of his Walkabout Wednesdays. “It’s been a rewarding year it’s been a great learning curve and I’m getting up to speed very quickly if not there already.”
Hobbs said there’s plenty for him to look back and be proud of so far from the city being one of the first municipalities in the province to put out a strategic plan to a declaration of commitment with Fort William First Nation.
As for the low point, Hobbs said he was disappointed that he was removed from the Thunder Bay Police Board.
“It just doesn’t make sense that a police officer with 34 years would be removed form that board and not return yet It’s bewildering,” He said adding he’s hoping to hear back from the board soon.
While last budget season showed him he’s only one vote of 13 on council, Hobbs said he’s proud at the amount of times council has voted unanimously on issues such as adding an extra $2 million for infrastructure. While there have been delays in the city’s road work this year, Hobbs said it’s better than the alternative.
“I know we’re behind on the work but I’d rather take complaints that there’s a lot of slow traffic than complaints about our roads being in disrepair,” he said.
Hobbs campaigned on crime issues and while there is a lot left to do, he said the city has made some strides towards making Thunder Bay safer. The city’s new crime prevention council, Thunder Bay’s drug strategy and – he’s hoping – a return to neighbourhood policing can make a difference.
“There are some really good accomplishments that are going on in the city,” Hobbs said.
Looking to the future, Hobbs said he wants the city to take a more active role in helping Aboriginal youth coming to Thunder Bay from northern reserves not fall into gangs or other criminal activity. He also want to see a continued focus on economic development, highlighting a trip to Cliff’s Natural Resources in Cleveland with members of Fort William First Nation to fight for a ferrochrome processor as just one way Thunder Bay can expand.
