THUNDER BAY -- “I’m not ready to quit.”
Rebecca Johnson will be back.
At least, that’s the plan as the long-time city councillor filed her papers to run in the at-large race for the upcoming municipal election.
On Thursday at city hall, she formally declared her hopes to be elected for a fifth term.
Although, she had considered running for mayor, almost until the last minute, she decided to hold off for health and personal reasons.
“There is 5 per cent of me that will always want to be the mayor,” said Johnson, who admitted she was regretful she didn't run earlier in her career.
“When you’re a mayor you have to be everywhere, attending almost everything. When you’re a councillor at-large, you can pick and choose, and I like that opportunity.”
Johnson said if elected, she hopes to get involved with the District of Thunder Bay Social Services Administration Board. She feels that social housing could serve as an important issue in the upcoming election.
Otherwise, the fiscally conservative Johnson said she’ll rely on her experience and old techniques.
“I’m just going to continue doing what I do,” she said. “I’m very comfortable right now. This is who I am.”
Johnson has embarked in plenty of projects during her 15-year tenure on council. Most notably, installing local dog parks, and founding the group Woman in Politics.
She's impressed by the number of woman who have put their papers in for the upcoming election.
“To me that’s very encouraging, and I’m very happy about that.” she said. “It shows to me that people have a vision for this community to move forward.”
Johnson continues to say that if she's re-elected, there's no guarantee it will be her last term.
“I’m not going to rule out finishing, if I feel good, I have no idea what I’m doing.”
She cited former Mississauga mayor Hazel McCallion as a source of inspiration, who held office until she was 92 years old.
“It’s a great thing to be able to help community residents to make change and have an influence in making change. That’s important to me."
Johnson becomes the 25th person to file to run at-large. The deadline is Friday at 2 p.m.
- Diane Armstrong
- Mark Bentz
- Kim Ducharme
- Mark Figliomeni
- Trevor Giertuga
- Larry Hebert
- Jim Howie
- Rebecca Johnson
- Chris "Krumps" Krumpholz
- Derek W. Lankinen
- Tracey MacKinnon
- Stephen Lawrence Margarit
- Charmaine McCraw
- Lori Paras
- Marty Rajala
- Aldo Ruberto
- Viktor Saari
- Orville Santa
- Norm Staal
- Jim Stadey
- Lawrence Timko
- Jeff Upton
- Margaret Wanlin
- Frank A. Wazinski
- Peng You
