THUNDER BAY – Economic development, modernizing engagement with the public, tackling crime, closing the infrastructure gaps and advocating both senior levels of government are Stephen Margarit’s priorities should he be elected to city council on Oct. 22.
The 28-year-old, currently an administration and communications co-ordinator at Bombardier and a former constituency assistant to long-time Liberal MPP Michael Gravelle, is trying to distinguish himself in the 26-candidate at-large race.
He’s hoping he can do it by promoting his relative youth, facing a current council with just three members younger than 50 and only one who hasn’t reached their 40th birthday.
“I just don’t see people like myself represented on council,” Margarit said. “One of the things I want to see on council is more diversity and one of the areas of diversity I think we need is some younger people.
“As someone who is 28, I think I bring some fresh and new perspectives, just trying to think long-term about what we can do in this city.”
It’s time to bring the city into the 21st century, Margarit said.
“How can we really build a 21st century city? I think we need to think about what kind of city you want in 2020, 2030,” he said. “Some of the ways to do that are a really integrated transit strategy. Right now we have kind of two hubs, one on the south side of town and one on the north side.”
Another area of concern is crime, which Margarit acknowledged is a tough and multi-faceted issue for any councillor to wrap their head around and come up with viable solutions.
It still must be addressed, he said.
“People just don’t feel safe in their neighbourhoods, and I think one of the strengths Thunder Bay has is we have some great neighbourhoods across the city. Before, people looked out for each other. People knew their neighbours, there was a sense you could go out at night, go for a nice walk,” Margarit said.
“People just aren’t feeling that any more in a large section of our city and I think we need to address that.”
Almost as important in his talks with voters is a desire for change on council.
“What people want to see are some fresh ideas. And that’s not saying some incumbents can’t bring fresh ideas to the table, but I think what people really want to hear from all the candidates is what are you going to bring? Not what you’ve done, but what’s the next four years going to look like?”
