THUNDER BAY – POLITICS – It is starting to get really crowded in Current River. At least candidate wise in this October’s Civic Election. Incumbent Andrew Foulds has decided to seek re-election. Foulds was reportedly reflecting on that decision earlier and has decided to balance his political / community service and family life. “It wasn’t an easy decision,” Foulds said in a media statement. “After the last provincial election I took some time to reflect upon my goals, my future, and my family. I have a young growing family, and I want to make sure I spend enough time with them”.
“But I am also driven to serve the public. I have been overwhelmed by the number of people from all political parties and from all walks of life who have urged me to run again for City Council. Current River Ward is one of the most dynamic neighbourhoods of the city. I profoundly believe the people of Current River deserve a champion at City Hall. It has been my privilege to be that champion for the past eight years. I hope the people of Current River will once again choose me to fight for them at City Hall”.
“As a ward and as a city I believe we have made huge gains. In the past eight years, we have focused on increased investment in infrastructure ( roads, sewers, landfill site, trails), and in our youth,” added Foulds.
“I am particularly proud of the leadership roles I have taken on the issues of poverty and the environment. I profoundly believe in environmental, economic, and social justice. I am also proud, that unlike the province, we have had labour peace at City Hall for the past eight years. These are the values that drive my decision making,” added Foulds.
“However, more needs to be done. We need to give hope to the youth of our community that our community has a future that includes them. That’s why we need to make strategic long term (not short-sighted short term) decisions that will improve the quality of our life, increase our job opportunities and build a sustainable future. That’s why investments in things from a splash pad and skate board park in Marina Park to a City of Thunder Bay Mining Development Strategy have been important. That’s why we must continue to invest in people, in youth centres, in infrastructure, in parks, and in the arts. We must not let the opportunities for mining development pass us by. And we must continue to redevelop our forestry industry and push for increased activity at our port. Thunder Bay must also increase its efforts to make our aboriginal citizens feel at home in our community”.
“These are the things I have fought for – for my ward and for my city – at city hall for the past eight years. These are the things I will fight for, for as long as I serve the people of Current River and the people of Thunder Bay.”
Foulds is facing a challenge from Andy Wolff, Claudio Monteleone, and Dick Waddington the former Councillor who was defeated by Foulds two terms ago.
