THUNDER BAY – POLITICS – Here we go Thunder Bay! It is the last stretch of the election campaign and I am overwhelmed by all of the wonderful support.
From my survey I am hearing that safety and policing within our community is a top priority. Once elected, I will advocate for community consultations around the topic of safety and to bring back community policing and neighbourhood police officers. Let’s build stronger neighbourhoods by reconnecting people to one another and policing with the people. Let’s support the call by Acting Thunder Bay Police Service Chief, Sylvie Hauth to the province on this issue and push back against the ongoing downloading. With our large geographical area, we simply do not have the same proximity to other police forces as the larger municipalities in the south.
My survey made clear that you are definitely concerned about city spending, as am I. By auditing the books, we can streamline services and structures and find the savings. Over 70% of you indicated the need for mandatory plebiscites for projects costing over 15 million. When asked about Victoriaville, over 67% of you decided that it should be torn down. This is consistent with what I am hearing in face to face conversations. Let’s move forward with the most cost-effective way to address this and move on with it.
The event centre no longer appears to be a great idea, according to two-thirds of the respondents. Let’s put this idea on the back burner and revisit it when our city is better prepared and when the financial supports are available. We can wait.
Many of you are worried about the youth in this city. It is clear that revisiting the Children’s Charter and implementing a youth services task force is important, according to 80% of you. Let’s respond to the recent letter to the Editor from the RMYC Executive Officers (Choose candidates who will invest in children, October 14/18) and vote in a way that let’s them know WE HEAR YOU.
The need for more diversity and gender equality on city council was endorsed by over 70%! This is exactly why I am running. The status quo has got to go.
Finally, when asked about what qualities that were important for a City Councillor, you used words like transparency, honesty, integrity, open-minded, visionary, common sense, accessible and a creative thinker. These are qualities and characteristics I strive to embody. Ask anyone who knows me. I am one of those people who shows up for the community when needed and someone who always tries to make difference.
Keep talking Thunder Bay, I’m listening.
On October 22, VOTE KIM DUCHARME COUNCILLOR AT LARGE
Kim Ducharme
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