THUNDER BAY – Mark Bentz is seeking re-election to Thunder Bay City Council in the Northwood ward.
Here are his answers to the questions on crime:
Question: Thunder Bay has formed a Crime Prevention Council, how long will it take before that Council meets, and how long afterward to implement its recommendations?
Answer: The newly formed Crime Prevention Council will form in the next couple of months and will have the mandate to advise the City on how best to make our community safer. It will involve a broad cross section of stake holders in the community with the recognition that issues surrounding community safety do not just belong to the Police or City Council – they belong to all of us. My expectation is that recommendations would begin to “flow” as soon as possible for implementation.
Question: Over the past year, some on Council along with the Police Services Board have suggested the crime rates are not as bad as they looked.
What is your reaction to Thunder Bay being listed 23rd most dangerous city?
Answer: The perception of community safety is extremely important in a community. Regardless of the statistics, if citizens do not feel safe in our community, we need to analyze why that is and implement appropriate strategies if required. We need to understand the root causes of all criminal activity in the city so that we may better deter it from many angles. I am not pleased that Thunder Bay ranks 23rd in the list of “most dangerous” cities and will support initiatives designed to improve the situation.
Question: The CEDC and Thunder Bay Tourism are working very hard to build our brand as a great place to work, visit and live.
Do you feel that Macleans Magazine’s article can harm those efforts?
Answer: Any widespread information that puts Thunder Bay in a “less than favourable” light has the ability to damage our reputation as a city. We are definitely trying to brand ourselves as a city that is welcoming, progressive and safe. Higher than average crime statistics do nothing to help in this endeavour. We must continue to work towards reducing crime in our community.
Mark Bentz
Candidate, Northwood Ward
