THUNDER BAY – Peter Panetta wants to be the mayor for the future of Thunder Bay.
Panetta, the longtime operator of the Underground Gym, on Thursday officially registered his candidacy as the ninth entrant into the city’s mayoral race.
Increasing youth engagement needs to be a higher priority for city council, Panetta said.
“They haven’t done enough. They need to do more. Let’s be logical. Our youth are our next generation. They’re the ones that are going to be taking over the city,” Panetta said.
“It’s been getting worse. Twenty years ago, it was bad when I started this program. It’s worse today than it was 20 years ago. Something is wrong.”
Panetta, who has lived in Thunder Bay for nearly 60 years, said he wants the city to have more centres operating with the same concept as the Underground Gym to give youth a free of charge place to go, where they have something to do.
“If we don’t have them engaged in positive activities then they’re more apt to get involved in crime, drugs, alcohol, vandalism,” Panetta said. “I want more police presence in vulnerable areas of the city, high-risk areas.”
Young people also need jobs, Panetta added, insisting the city should be doing more to hire youth.
As well, he believes a revitalized Simpson Street corridor where the Underground Gym operates could provide opportunity for start-up businesses if the city can give an incentive.
“Give small business a tax break and they’re more apt to start up a little business, as long as they’re not overloaded with taxes,” Panetta said. “Give them a break. That will create jobs. It will beautify the area.”
The field of candidates also includes incumbent councillors Iain Angus and Frank Pullia, as well as 2014 third-place finisher Shane Judge, Kevin Cernjul, Jim Gamble, Mariann Sawicki, Ron Chookomolin and Ed Hailio.
The nomination window closes on Friday at 2 p.m. The municipal election will be held on Oct. 22.
