THUNDER BAY – Its Walk-about Wednesday for Mayor Hobbs. The Mayor has continued his promise to get out to listen to people in Thunder Bay. Today, Mayor Hobbs was in the Windsor Street, Junot Avenue, Picton Avenue, and Blucher neighbourhoods.
Concerns expressed to Mayor Hobbs during the walk-about Wednesdays help the Mayor to keep a finger on the pulse of what is really happening in the city, and in the neighbourhoods. It is for Mayor Hobbs, a great way to maintain face-to-face contact with people in the city. For residents, it is a means to engage with their concerns directly with the Mayor.
During the election campaign, the Mayor knocked on 22 thousand doors across the city. During his Walk-about Wednesdays, Mayor Hobbs gets to talk to local people. In the 288 Windsor complex the Mayor spoke to one couple who have arrived in Thunder Bay from Fort Hope. He also heard about some of the problems in the area. Along Blucher Avenue, the Mayor noticed the condition of the roads.
Hobbs was able to get the facts directly from people in the neighbourhood. He heard reports of how people have received service from the city, heard about how moving the Junot Bus off of Junot onto Blucher or Picton Avenue would be far easier for people.
As well, one mother expressed her concerns about crossing the ever busier Junot Avenue and traffic. At the Boys and Girls Club the Mayor received a warm welcome, and a number of questions. Young people wanted to know about crime, about the Mayor’s favourite food (Pizza is the answer), what he drives, and several young people thanked him for having come to their schools. Several of the young people perked up when they heard that the Mayor has 5000 friends on Facebook. One of the kids wanted to know if the Mayor’s job is a good paying job, the Mayor explained by by the end of the week, which is usually around 100 hours it works out to about “$8 per hour, but that its not for the money that one gets into public service”.
That traffic issue was pointed out for Mayor Hobbs in a rather personal way. Leaving the Boys and Girls Club, a driver in a vehicle drove through the fence at 288 Windsor and almost side-swiped the Mayor’s truck. Officers with the Thunder Bay Police service responded, and thankfully no one was injured.