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.