Appointments

I would like to thank City Council and Administration for appointing me to the Thunder Bay Public Library board of directors and the EarthWise Advisory committee.

I appreciate the opportunity to get involved in these important groups, and I look forward to participating.

Another short-sighted blunder by the Conservative senate: They have quashed a bill which would protect former Nortel workers' disability benefits. The neoconservative attack on our social safety net marches on.

Remember the main tenet of neocon ideology: Lie to the sheep, because they don't know what's good for them. Give the power to the elite, because they know how to use it. Don't help those who fall behind, because they are just drains on our society.

Look around and see how well that is working in the US - poverty, ignorance, violence. This is not a coincidence.

The political culture in Canada is largely based upon short-term problems and solutions. Elections are won and lost on the issue of taxes. Taxes are slashed by one party, and debts soar, social programs crumble, and the costs of society go up. Taxes are raised by other parties, and the holes are plugged, but there is no real progress.

We need a generation of politicians and administrators who are willing to look at the long-term health of the economy. It will be unpopular amoung people who are socialized to expect rapid "solutions" from government which only lead to more long-term problems. There are no simple issues - anyone who tells you differently is either lying or foolish. The economy of our society is a hugely complex dynamic system, being managed by people who either do not understand it, or wish to turn it into something else.

This year, we will likely see a federal election, and will certainly see a provincial one. As you are entertaining door-knocking hopefuls, be wary of those who try and sell you simple ideas and quick fixes. I believe it is time to make some progress.

-Jay Stapleton

Setting my sights on the provincial seat.

I am going to be seeking the provincial NDP nomination for Thunder Bay - Superior North. I am looking to put together a team to help me manage the nomination campaign. If you are interested, please send me an email to jstaplet@lakeheadu.ca

This is an exciting decision for me, I thank all of you who approached me and suggested it. I will work hard to get our voices heard down in Queen's Park!

Keep the little brats off the streets until they're 17.

Keith Hobbs comes out of the gate quickly with the announcement that he will be pushing for a curfew for kids out past midnight. I am more than a little disappointed to hear this.

He argues that youth who are out will either be victims or accused. I would add "except those who aren't". Much like adults who are out at night will either be victims, or accused, or not. The Chronicle quotes him as saying that there is "no viable excuse, reasonable excuse" for youth to be on the streets at night. What viable excuse does an adult have to be out? What excuse more than "I want to be" should be necessary.

Thunder Bay has a crime problem, some of this crime is caused by youth. Restricting the movements of an entire demographic is a blunt tool to tackle this issue, like driving a nail with a bulldozer. It may be effective, but at what cost?

My formative years involved a lot of roaming the streets at all hours with my friends, talking, dreaming, and creating visions of the world we wanted to see happen. When the city sleeps there is an inspirational air, especially for kids.

At best, this will be a tool for police to shoo kids home who they see to be a problem. If someone is performing an illegal act, then let the police respond. If someone may potentially perform an illegal act, then we must as a society give them the benefit of the doubt. Demographic profiling is not an acceptable prevention strategy.

I strongly urge Mr. Hobbs to reconsider this strategy. I also encourage the rest of council to educate themselves on this issue before it comes to debate. Remember that many of those who are affected by this will be of voting age by the next municipal election, and this sort of insult will not be easily forgotten.

At the next council meeting, they will decide if they should live stream City Council meetings on the Internet.

I believe this is an essential element to the transparency and accountability. Not only can people watch the meetings, but will be able to search archived videos based upon subject, meaning that interested parties can view subjects of interest to them without having to sit through the entire (interminable) meeting.

If you support this, please take the time to contact your councillor and ask them to approve the initiative.

*EDIT*
The initiative was approved, I look forward to seeing it implemented.

City Committees

Though I am not siting on City Council, I am committed to getting more involved in the workings of the city which I feel are important.

Further to this, I am putting my name forward for the Public Library Board and the Earthwise Advisory Committee.

If you're interested in supporting my bid for these positions, you may send a letter of recommendation to:

The Office of the City Clerk
City of Thunder Bay
500 Donald St. E.
Thunder Bay, Ontario
P7E 5V3

Thank you again for your support.

A Cure for Cynicism

I am a bit surprised at the "Incumbent Sweep" result of this election.

I am a bit disappointed at the low voter turnout - especially in Red River Ward (Roughly 44% of registered electors based on early numbers).

I am not cynical about the political process in Thunder Bay. In fact, I am more hopeful than ever that our city will evolve into an even more wonderful, beautiful, and successful place. Not because of our leaders, or even in spite of them. Because of the passionate, active, and interested people I met in my weeks of knocking on doors around my neighbourhood.

The majority of people who I have had the opportunity to speak with during my election campaign have inspired me to keep working hard to improve this city. The long, hard work of running an election is behind me, but I will be back to run again. I have learned a lot about the campaigning process, and what you can do on a low budget. I know how to organize myself and my team to make a better showing in my next attempt.

I love this city, and while I don't have the opportunity to shape the future of our community in the manner I had hoped, I will be very active in getting my ideas out there.

I am filled with gratitude for the people who have supported me, helped out, and donated to my campaign. I hope that you also see this as a positive step forward. I will be seeing you all again soon, I'm sure.

-Jay Stapleton.

I have put photos up from my "Intersection Blitz" here.

Election Day

Please remember to get out and vote Monday. It will be a close race from what I hear, so every vote counts! Bring a friend, bring a dozen, and let's bury the low voter turnout stats from last time.

Thank you to everyone for your support!

If you need a ride to the polling station, please give me a call - 629-2412. They are open from 10am-8pm tomorrow.

People in Red River ward can vote at the 55+ Center on River St., St. Michael's Church on Red River and Rockwood, or the Italian Cultural Center on Algoma.

My Dream Team

Because I've been asked many times, here are some candidates who I hope to work with on the next city council.
At large: Gerald Graham, Norman Sponchia, Cindy Crowe
Mayor: Keith Hobbs
Current River: Andrew Foulds
McKellar: Paul Pugh

Remember to vote on Monday - between 10am and 8pm.

City Administration

There has been much discussion during this race on the relationship between administration and council. Some candidates must recognize that there can't be a functional municipality without a cooperative relationship between the council and the administration. I wanted to take this time at the close of the race to thank the city employees for keeping the machine running.

An adversarial relationship here is a sign of a dysfunctional government. I will encourage all members of our new council to form and maintain a good working relationship with those people who will be actually implementing all of our great ideas - they're the ones whose hard work is necessary for the success of the council's programs.

New ideas for prioritizing resources

I put up a brief article on NetNewsLedger on the benefits of intox shelters.

With four days to the election, please remind your friends and neighbours to get out and vote! There are so many good ideas out there that I want to have a chance to get moving.

Intersection Blitz!

Thanks so much to everyone who came out to the intersection blitz today. There was a great show of support, and a few hundred more people who have heard my name. Let's do it again on Monday!

Come out to the open house on Friday - 6:00pm in the RB Theatre on LU campus. I will have signs posted up.

On Campus

For those of you on facebook, you can join my campaign group to join the dialog.

I spent a few hours on the LU campus today talking to students. There are a lot of people who don't realize that they can vote, and don't realize that the Thunder Bay city council has a great potential influence on student's lives.

On the flip side, I was really happy to find out how many students are interested and want to participate in the community. It lifts my spirits to talk to so many enthusiastic and energetic young people who are starting to realize what an amazing place to live Thunder Bay is.

10 Days to the Election!

An Examination of the Proposed Student Housing By-Law

The Thunder Bay manager of licensing and enforcement, Ron Bourret, is looking into a city by-law which will regulate homeowners who rent to students. According to a front page article in the Chronicle Journal on Sunday Oct. 10, he seems to favour the approach taken by Oshawa, which requires special licenses to rent to students, and involves fines if homeowners rent to students without a license.

This appears to me to be a solution searching for a problem. The Ontario Tenant Protection Act, the existing set of city by-laws which regulate noise seem to cover both the needs of the neighbourhoods and the rights of the students without adding another layer of bureaucratic red tape to the process.

Thunder Bay traditionally has a very low vacancy rate, to the point where it can already be difficult for visiting students to find suitable housing close to their campus. This by-law will exacerbate this problem by making it more difficult and expensive for homeowners to rent to students. This is an unnecessary intrusion into the business of those who own rental properties.

On the other side, the Oshawa by-law allows for inspections at any time without the requirement for a warrant or notice. Students who are already leading stressful lives could have enforcement officers coming into their homes without any regard for their privacy.

From either side, this seems to be a bad idea. If the neighbours are noisy, there is existing regulation. If your student housing is not properly maintained, there is existing regulation. We should be welcoming students here, showing them what there is to love about this city and encouraging them to stay. We should not be treating them like second-class citizens from the moment they arrive. To do so will further alienate an important population which could otherwise represent the future leaders of the community.

I have posted a new article on our impending transit strike.

Perspectives and frustrations.

One thing which I have said since the beginning of this campaign, is that the strength of council comes from the bredth of experience of the councillors. The current council has by my count 5 teachers and 4 businesspeople. These are valuable perspectives, but they are over-represented.

It should come as no surprise that the issues raised by these councillors during the election are also very similar. Jobs, taxes, and crime seem to be the only things being discussed. I know that jobs and crime are very important issues, but they are always going to be there for council to work on, and it is the responsibility of every council to ensure that tax dollars are spent efficiently. So, other than the obvious, what are you planning on doing?

I want to see vision and leadership from my council. The discussion so far surrounding the low voter turnout last election, and political engagement seems to be centred on blaming the population. Public apathy is not the problem, it is a symptom of weak leadership. A well-run council will include direct and frequent effort to communicate with the people in the city in a meaningful way.

There has been a lot of negativity in this campaign. Part of that I see as frustration with the status quo, and part because it is easier for candidates to point out the flaws in their opponents than to step up with their own ideas. I would like to hear one honest and original idea from each candidate during this campaign. Some candidates aren't to be heard from at all, even with hollow platitudes. This mocks the democratic process.

To the candidates: Speak up!

To the voters: Listen up!

and to those who are dissatisfied with the entire process, you have four years until the next election: Step up!

Netnewsledger Candidate Ledger

Discussing political literacy and participation

Advanced voting starts today. 10am, and runs until 8pm.

Today it is at the Thunder Bay 55 Plus Center on River St.

Here is the schedule on the City website.

Thanksgiving weekend draws to a close.

I had a great thanksgiving weekend, now back to work! Come see me at the LU campus for World Food Day on Wednesday.

Wednesday is also the day which the city will have the advanced voting polls at the LU campus. You can register at the polling van - just be sure to bring identification and proof of residence (utility bill, rent receipt, etc.).

Two weeks until E Day - then the real work begins!

I would like to give thanks for all the support I have received in this process. And also thanks to all of the candidates who put themselves forward for this election. It's a tough job, and I appreciate those who have the community spirit to invest their time into the race.

350 Day of Action

I had a great time listening and talking at the 350 day of action. I was happy that there was a decent turnout, and there was a receptive audience.

I spoke on how land use planning can help reduce carbon footprints. This is why I will make an excellent city councillor. I read books on land use planning for fun.

Thanks to Elysia and her Sustain Lusu crew for organizing this event.

Photo of me speaking

Photo of the people and pumpkins at Hillcrest Park

350.org website

Surveys and Opinions

I have been asked to fill out surveys by several organizations. As these questions mirror many that I have been asked while canvassing the neighbourhood. I will post these surveys up here over the next few days.

This one was filled out for the Retired Teachers of Ontario. I found myself chafing a bit at the 100 word limit per answer (as these are complex issues), but I think I managed to get my points across. If you would like more depth on one of these issues, please contact me.

-Jay.

Name: Jay Stapleton


How do your life experiences qualify you to be a leader on city council?
Efficacy of a city council requires a balance and breadth in the experience of its members. I offer perspectives from my life experience which are not otherwise available in this election.
I am (amoung other things) a 33 year old computer technician, organic vegetable farmer, community organizer, actor, political scientist, and scholar. Each of these aspects of my experience offers a useful perspective. The combination of these offers me a broad, unique, and informed view of public management.
I believe that there needs to be a balance on council. My skills fill an often overlooked gap in representation.


1. How will the proposed Norwester wind farm reduce the cost of electricity for Thunder Bay utility users?
The proposed wind farm will not directly or immediately reduce the cost of electricity for Thunder Bay utility users. As the cost of fossil fuel based energy increases, the technology for adapting a combined wind/hydro base load system will be developed, as these are naturally complimentary sources. Having established wind capacity will offer Northwestern Ontario a head start in this new opportunity.
The cost of progress should not be borne without the informed participation of those who will be affected by it. City council needs to have a more cooperative approach to major public works in the future.


2. Bus Transportation: Will you support the retaining of two bus terminals in Thunder Bay?
Will you work to reduce bus passes and fares for seniors?
For a distributed system such as transportation, there is no benefit to centralization. The geographic reality of our city is that we have more than one “core” area. Having a transit hub in both the North and South cores decreases trip times for riders, and will continue to build an increasing ridership.
Our seniors should be offered a complimentary pass. This would serve to increase their standard of living, and remove a barrier to community participation. The costs would be negligible, the benefits would be immediately apparent. Increased ridership will also justify increased investment and development, which benefits everyone.


3. What plans do you have to improve safety in the streets, not only for
seniors, but for all citizens, and for the workers in downtown businesses?
Safety has many facets. I plan on implementing push-to-cross crosswalk systems on the major pedestrian traffic areas within the ward, such as River St. at Pine, and High St. near La Verendrye HS. This will allow all pedestrians safe and easy crossings of busy routes, particularly those with mobility issues. Outside of the ward, I will work with other councillors to strategically plan the deployment of these systems.
Re-focusing our police efforts to foot patrols will offer a disincentive to crimes of opportunity in public spaces. Likewise, adequate lighting, and encouraging neighbourhood watch programs will help increase public safety.


4. How will you promote the quality of living and adequate staffing in the
city-run nursing homes: Pioneer Ridge, Dawson Court, and Grandview Lodge?
Having funding available to well-trained staff in any care facility is the minimum for acceptable standards of living. Subsidized cultural passes, as well as programs to bring arts and cultural events to nursing homes will not only offer new experiences, but also opportunities for local artists and artisans to re-engage with a class of people who are often marginalized.
It is vital to the health of the city that our seniors are respected and acknowledged as members of our society. If circumstances prevent them from participating as fully as they might like, then we must adapt to serve them.


5. What will you do to ensure sufficient and appropriate housing for
seniors?
With the increasing proportion of seniors in our city, we must provide for appropriate housing. Lobbying for increased Provincial investment in home care can help some people remain in their own homes. Assisted living programs, like cleaning, cooking, and maintenance have long been available to families of military veterans. Similar programs tied to OHIP and the CPP should be designed. Being the closest to the citizens, municipalities have a unique opportunity to provide leadership on this type of project.
Maintaining a dynamic balance in the available housing resources will require a vigilant and engaged administrative system. I would prioritize this.


6. What are your plans to improve physical accessibility to all public
buildings?
Cooperating with established organizations, such as CNIB, etc. will allow the city to efficiently identify facilities which offer barriers to people with mobility or vision issues. Removing any of these barriers in public buildings is absolutely necessary. Organizational and structural support should be offered to private business owners who wish to offer barrier free access to their existing facilities.
City administration once again has a role here to advocate and coordinate on behalf of their citizens for more provincial funding for removing barriers throughout our community.

Crime and Safety

There are many people living in this city in a state of fear. Violence, theft, and vandalism are our constant neighbours. City council must step in and take leadership on this issue.

While having our police focusing on violent and property crimes will be a beginning, the long-term solutions must include preventative measures. The Underground Gym, which has made the news lately, is one excellent example of how small investments now can generate long-term benefits. When young people are taught to be engaged in the community, they develop a proprietary relationship with their space. This combats the alienation which is often cited as an initial cause of anti-social behaviour.

Having more community involvement opportunities for young people will have a direct positive benefit to the community groups who get the help. The secondary benefits are to the youth who build a connection to their community through involvement and investment. There is also a tertiary benefit to society as a whole; there is one more active citizen helping to improve the community.

Signs and Doors

Today, I was out putting up 20 of the 50 lawn signs I have purchased. After that, I went door-knocking along Red River and Winnipeg.

This evening, I Went to a sustainability potluck at LU, and had some great discussions there.

Regular blog entries will resume shortly.

Labour Council Endorsements

Knocked on another two hundred doors today. I am getting great feedback. While walking down Balsam St, I received a call letting me know that I got the endorsement from the Labour Council. This has buoyed my spirits greatly.

Reminder that everyone should check The City of Thunder Bay Website to see if they are registered, and to find out where their polling stations are.

Back out knocking on doors tomorrow. Election day is coming quickly!

Knocked on a couple hundred doors this afternoon after the Country Market. Burning hard since 6am. I am tired,but so happy to know that so many people in my neighbourhood are interested in getting really involved in community politics. A big thanks to everyone who took the time to talk to me this afternoon.

Priorities, and standing out from the herd.

While knocking on doors this evening, I was talking about the long-term future of Thunder Bay, and how we can attract young people to the city, and encourage the local kids to choose this city to establish themselves in.

I have not spent much time during this campaign talking directly about jobs and economic development. I recognize the importance of a proactive city council in securing large employers for the city, and upon my election I intend to work hard in this direction. I also recognize that there are nearly forty other candidates walking the streets, emphasizing above all else “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs”.

Having stable and responsible companies doing business in the city is always a priority, but it cannot be pursued exclusively. Developing a healthy and safe community creates an environment which encourages immigration and entrepreneurship.

The strength of the city council model is in the breadth of experience offered by the councillors. I am a 33 year old recent university graduate, with a background in local small businesses, organic agriculture, and community theatre. As such, I offer a unique perspective amoung the candidates. I hope to offer this perspective to City Council, to help make this city more culturally cohesive, healthy, and economically prosperous.

Signs and Donations

Thanks to everyone who has contributed money to the campaign fund, I am able to order my first (small) batch of lawn signs. Please email your address to jstaplet@lakeheadu.ca if you want a sign.

Please contact me if you would like to contribute money to the campaign fund, and help me extend the coverage of lawn signs. Donations can also be made to "Jay Stapleton Campaign Fund" at Bay Credit Union on Algoma.

Taxes as a tool for development

Thunder Bay residents and business pay a lot in taxes. This money is necessary to provide the services which the city is responsible for. It will be up to the incoming council to conduct a thorough analysis of how this money is spent and track down inefficiencies.

Our downtown cores and major corridors are blighted with a series of vacant, decrepit, and derelict properties. This can be associated with a suppressive effect on tourism, and activity in these areas.

The incoming council will have an opportunity to examine the tax structure, and modify it to serve long term ends. Specifically, which areas bear the weight of the tax burden. Adjusting tax rates on vacant or derelict properties in target neighbourhoods will provide incentive for land owners to redevelop, lease out, or sell properties which are sitting empty.

Council needs to stop seeing property taxes as merely a source of income, and start using them to realize a vision for a prosperous city. First, we need a council which is capable of holding this vision, with the skills and tenacity to see it through.

Culture and Quality of Life

The long-term sustainability of Thunder Bay requires many pillars in order to support it. One which I see as being under-appreciated is that of the local arts and culture scene. While it is easy to focus elsewhere during these times of low employment, environmental problems, and other concerns which are more pressing, a long view city plan must maintain this priority.

There are several ways which a strong cultural community indirectly addresses these primary concerns. As a waypoint along the Trans Canada Highway, we have the opportunity to attract people who are passing through, and offer them an opportunity to stop here with the idea that they will have access to events and venues which will offer a uniquely Thunder Bay experience.

Tourism will not save us from loss of primary industry, but it represents a significant infusion of capital into the city, while also improving our public image throughout the country and region.

One major concern which has been brought to my attention throughout the campaign process is the trend of young people to leave the city. As someone who did leave, and has come back, I can say that a large allure of the larger urban centers is the cultural opportunities. Live music, theatre, dance, visual arts, film, and poetry are cultural focal points which encourage the building of an active community. This community spirit should be nurtured, and we will see the benefits of retaining those youth who feel that Thunder Bay is lacking in opportunities along this line.

Over the last several years, the city has seen a large increase in these areas, with theatre companies, bands, and film production companies in particular enjoying great success both within the city, and exporting their productions.

Our City council will be offered the opportunity to support and escalate this movement, with the result of a community which enjoys a higher quality of life, is more attractive to people who are looking to move here, and which offers the youth a chance to participate in a community.

Press Release for Registration

For Immediate Release:


On Thursday August 5th, Jay Stapleton will register as Red River Ward's best candidate for City Council. Join Jay Stapleton at the front entrance to City Hall at 10am as he makes his first official step on the road to city council.

Widespread dissatisfaction with the current Thunder Bay City Council has sparked Thunder Bay native Jay Stapleton’s decision to run for city council. “Wake up, Shake up Thunder Bay” is Stapleton’s Campaign slogan. “The slogan suggests that people are ready for change, and that City Council needs a wake up call. Like everyone else, He’s shared in the city’s economic ups and downs and is passionate about meeting the needs of the people of Thunder Bay,” says Alex Boulet, one of Stapleton’s campaign coordinators.
“He understands contemporary issues around the environment and economics, he knows how to work hard- and how to have fun- in short, he’s a real person and that’s why he’s going to win”

“We need a City Council that does its homework, and one that holds contractors accountable to their quotes” says Stapleton. “Unchecked cost overruns and uninformed choices have cost our taxpayers unjustifiable amounts of money. More importantly, people feel unappreciated, wand unwelcome in the decision making process. The pursuit of ‘development at any cost’ has alienated our citizens and encouraged our youth to leave for greener pastures. We need City Councilors who can think critically and who account for people’s sense of wellbeing, well into the future”.

Stapleton will arrive at City Hall at 10am on the 5th and will remain at the entrance until 10:20 before registering.

To arrange an interview please contact:

Alexander Boulet
Campaign Coordinator
807 345 1644
aaboulet@lakeheadu.ca

Jay Stapleton
Candidate, City Council, Red River Ward
807 629 2412
jstaplet@lakeheadu.ca




Background:

Jay Stapleton was born and raised in Thunder Bay. He graduated from PACI, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Lakehead University.
Jay is a computer technician turned organic vegetable farmer, and has worked at small businesses within Thunder Bay for most of his career – providing him the best education in the challenges of offering jobs and quality products and services in this city.
Other than work, Jay enjoys participating in the local arts community. He serves on the board of directors for Cambrian Players, with whom he is a frequent actor.

Wake up, Shake up Thunder Bay!

On Thursday August 5th at 10am, Jay Stapleton will register as Red River Ward's best candidate for city council. Come out to city hall to support Jay and his strong vision for a more progressive City Council and a happier, healthier Thunder Bay.

Canadian Tire Money Update

Thanks to everyone who donated Canadian Tire Money, I was able to raise $260, which translated to real money through the sale of gift cards. This will cover my registration fees and much of my expenses to date.

If you have extra Canadian Tire money kicking about, and would like to support my campaign, please drop it off at The Great Northwest Coffee Company on Algoma, or at the Country Market.

Canadian Tire Gift Card Fund Raiser

Kerr from The Great Northwest Coffee Company has been raising Canadian Tire Money donations to help fund my campaign. He has bought Canadian Tire Gift Cards, and is selling them with a 10% bonus value.

If you're planning on making any major purchases at Canadian Tire, enjoy the discount. If you have a glut of Canadian Tire Money which you'd like to donate to the campaign, please drop it off at The Great Northwest Coffee Company, 250 S. Algoma, or at the Country Market.

Thanks to Kerr for his support.

Click here for details

Red River Ward

After deliberation and discussions. I have decided to register in the Red River Ward, rather than at large. I am hoping to knit together a group of people which will provide each area of the city a viable alternative voice in the upcoming election.

I will be filing my nomination forms soon, and I hope to gather a few friends and supporters there as I do. Details to come soon!

Failure to Communicate

When speaking with people about my intention to run, I hear many of the same concerns cropping up. One of the most common is that many people feel council operates behind closed doors. Though the meetings are generally open to the public, there are practical barriers that prevent many citizens from attending. As such, many people only hear of council decisions when it is too late to have any input.

I would work on creating a city council which is resposible for communicating its activities to the public - one engaged with the community, and actively maintaining open channels of communication. To this end, I will support the development of a position of a 'Staff Blogger'. This position would be held by someone with a journalism background, who is responsible for keeping a current record of what council is doing, and making it available to the public online and to the media.

City residents should never feel surprised by major projects, and they should never feel excluded from the decision-making process. It is the job of the councilors to make these decisions, but I believe it to be their responsibility to do so in a manner which is consistent with the will of their constituents. This means people must have the opportunity to remain informed, and contribute their input to the decisions that will affect them.

The Road Ahead

I understand the source of a lot of the nihilism among the youth of Thunder Bay. When I was unable to find the sort of work here that I needed to advance my career in Information Technology, I spent several years living in Winnipeg and then Toronto. It is frustrating to feel that you must leave your hometown in order to fulfill your career goals, and it is easy to become negative about the prospects available.

Living elsewhere has accentuated the aspects of Thunder Bay that I really love. Looking over Lake Superior from the top of Mount McKay, and seeing how this city blends into the most beautiful wilderness in the world is something that can be appreciated so much more after spending an extended time working in downtown Toronto. Walking down Bay St. and greeting friends and neighbours makes me feel like I am part of a community, rather than just a resident.

I hope to work with the next city council to bring our city towards a stable, healthy economy. I hope that the students who are entering high school and university this year will have a variety of options when they graduate. Providing opportunities for our youth is essential to build a sustainable community. I want to help shape a city with opportunities for myself and other young people who hope to establish a life in this wonderful place.