THUNDER BAY – Over the last 2 months I have knocked on approximately 700 doors talking with the citizens of Thunder Bay about what they see as the major issues facing the city.
I find knocking on doors talking with people as the best way to identify those issues that affect them the most. One on one, people are much more comfortable sharing specifics concerns, issues and discussing possible solutions.
I also find that this really gives me concrete evidence of what people are really thinking as oppose to the heresy and rhetoric that politicians are bombarded with daily.
The major issues that people are talking to me about are infrastructure, specifically roads but also the maintenance of our other city assets such as parks. People are significantly concerned about the environment. Recycling, trees and green energy are at the top of people’s mind. Interestingly, poverty is also coming up at the doorstep and the consequences of it such as homelessness, food bank usage, mental health, addictions and crime. Still, the number one issue continues to be the economy and jobs. What’s interesting though it that people are clearly saying not only do we need jobs but also need decent paying jobs. Too many people are working two part time 12 dollar an hour jobs with no security and no benefits.
The other message I am receiving is people want value for their tax dollar. This means getting good service. Whether it is garbage collection, snow removal, grass cutting, hockey rinks or maintenance of baseball fields and recreational trails. We have to preserve these services and assets so that everyone maintains a good quality of life.
The responses and comments I am hearing as I go door to door are amazingly congruent with the results of the Citizen’s Survey conducted by the City of Thunder Bay.
With election day on October 25 th quickly approaching I will continue to knock on doors and listening to the citizens of Thunder Bay in the Current River Ward.
I have a campaign website at andrewfoulds.ca with more information about me and the campaign and a campaign email address at andrewfoulds2010@hotmail.com. Please contact me with any feedback and concerns that you have. It is through feedback from you that I, or any candidate can serve you best.