THUNDER BAY – It seems many last minute “pat yourself on the back” moments are being heralded by the outgoing Council as testament to a successful four year term.
One is Safety and Security in your community. A community priority, one that I and others advocated for over 3.5 years ago.
A newly formed committee called Safe City Thunder Bay (Crime Prevention Council) was formed by five councillors, Johnson, Angus, Virdiramo, Ruberto, McKinnon and Mayor Peterson. (Fall 2010)
The Ad Hoc Committee will serve as the Nominating Committee for the first Crime Prevention Council and its work will be conducted during the fall of 2010. The members of the Ad Hoc Committee include: Mayor Lynn Peterson, Councillors Iain Angus, Rebecca Johnson, Brian McKinnon, Aldo Ruberto and Joe Virdiramo.
Yet, on a good note, this committee is bringing in world-renowned Dr. Irvin Waller to roll-out the newly formed Safe City Thunder Bay committee. Dr. Waller is a man I respect very much, he has the antedote to our 8 year crime and safety crisis offering measures to make Thunder Bay safer.
This is an important new committee, it is a committee many had hoped to see 30 months ago when recommended by fellow volunteers of Downtown Zones of Thunder Bay to five city council members.
Prioritiies are skewed, shouldn’t safe community and it’s people be considered a priority?
In fall 2009, 5 Councillors and Mayor formed an Ad-Hoc committee producing terms of reference, new staff position, committee makeup and then a new name. This began in late Sept. 2009 in the last year of council’s term.
In one year, think of all the victims that could have been saved?
In 2008, I presented 3-4 other programs in similar muncipalities that had significant crime reduction due to effective public safety policies. Three councillors endorsed moving forward on this, they wanted quick action. However, one councillor didnt even bother to acknowledge or contribute to the meeting. They never showed up. And that my friend’s is my opponent.
You cannot serve the public’s priorities your last four months of tenure. You have four years to be the best political representation your community deserves. It is no different than parenting. You have only chance in life to be the best you can be.
Red River deserves better and so does the rest of Thunder Bay and every victim in this city that could have been saved.
I am passionately disappointed although relieved to see something is at least being done however late it may be and whether or not crime prevention and future programming is being used for political posturing is something six council members have to live with.
Frankly, I could not.
Laury Alexander
Laury Alexander is running for ward Councillor for the Red River Ward. Her website is www.laury.ca
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