THUNDER BAY – Another long-time Thunder Bay city council incumbent has made their intentions known for this year’s municipal election.
Joe Virdiramo, who has represented Westfort since first being elected in 2003, on Monday night declared his intention to seek another term in the south side ward.
“I want to continue building community in Westfort,” Virdiramo said. “I think a lot of things have been done in relation to infrastructure and in relation to recreational initiatives – the Mary J.L. Black Library, the George Jeffrey centre in Westfort.”
Virdiramo acknowledged he had considered a potential mayoral run, a race that already features two current councillors in Iain Angus and Frank Pullia with a third – Larry Hebert – declaring his intention to enter.
The at-large contest was also an option, Virdiramo added, but he said he wanted to try to continue to represent the area of the city he calls home.
“I love Westfort. It’s my community. It’s where we live and I want to see it continue to flourish and I want to see more things coming into the community, not only in Westfort but the entire city,” Virdiramo said.
Virdiramo is the third official participant in Westfort, joining 2014 runner-up Frank Scarcello who finished just 45 votes back and Northwestern Ontario Municipal Association executive director Kristen Oliver.
With a little more than a month remaining in the nomination period, many of the races are starting to come into clearer focus.
Paul Pugh has announced he will not run again in McKellar, leaving Ashley Nurmela, Brian Hamilton and Donald McLeod currently vying for the vacant seat.
In Northwood, Shelby Ch’ng has filed to run for a second term with Mo El Kahil the only other name on the ballot so far.
Though he hasn’t registered his candidacy, Brian McKinnon has indicated he will be seeking another term in Red River, setting up a rematch with David George Noonan after the challenger finished second four years ago.
Trevor Giertuga, the longest continuously serving member of council, has said he will be shifting to the at-large contest, opening up McIntyre for the first time in 18 years. Wesley Ramage, who ran in 2014, is the only registered contestant in that ward.
Linda Rydholm is currently unopposed in Neebing.
Andrew Foulds, who has won three straight terms in Current River, has yet to reveal his intentions. Naomi Abotossaway is the only candidate that has come forward thus far.
Neither of the two other at-large incumbents – Aldo Ruberto and Rebecca Johnson – have publicly announced their plans. The field for the five at-large positions only has four names to this point with Diane Armstrong, Kim Ducharme Chris Krumpholz and Tracey MacKinnon filed their papers.
Candidates can register for the mayor, council and school board races until July 27. The municipal election is on Oct. 22.
