THUNDER BAY – POLITICS – Voting day is October 22nd. NetNewsLedger reached out to candidates for mayor. Candidates were asked four questions.
Here are the answers provided by Mariann Sawicki
NETNEWSLEDGER: What would you do as Mayor of Thunder Bay to ensure the future of the jobs at the Bombardier plant here in Thunder Bay?
Mariann Sawicki: As your Mayor, one of my top priorities is to keep Bombardier in full operation in Thunder Bay. I know we have so much potential to make our own LRV/streetcar, which will advertise the plant and the talent we have here. We need to market what we actually make here, those cars are beautiful. This would not only help with emissions but promote our manufacturing business. We could then lobby the government both Provincially and Federally to help us build a passenger train that will go to the outlying areas around our city like Nipigon, Longlac, Geraldton, etc. This form of transportation would decrease emissions as people coming for appointments would leave their vehicle at home and just catch the train (one that we build locally). These contracts alone will require more workers to produce and hopefully will intrigue other areas around to participate in the cost. Advertise more on the excellent work our plant does in order to promote further contracts.
NETNEWSLEDGER: What specifically can be done to change the paradigm in Thunder Bay and make our community safer?
Mariann Sawicki: It is just terrible the things that have been occurring in our city, I don’t ever recall it being this bad. We have to do something and we have to do it now. Firstly I think we need to have more police presence, more officers on duty each day and more on foot patrol. That will be a start to deter some of the crime. We also have to offer incentives to people if they overcome their addiction. Bring back the neighbourhood watch as well as block parent and have neighbourhood meetings where they all meet and look out for one another. We need to be more kind to one another and treat all with respect and dignity and respect elders. Increase security at the Shelter House if necessary.
NETNEWSLEDGER: As Mayor what will you do to make Thunder Bay a truly inclusive community?
Mariann Sawicki: As I said before, we have to stop this almost childish behaviour and all get along already. Enough is enough, people are all different and not one of us are alike. It should not matter what colour we are, what clothes we wear, we are all equal and no one is better than anyone else. We have to work together into making our city open to all nationalities and welcome people when they move here. I want our city to be known as having the kindest and caring of citizens, willing to help one another no matter who they may be.
NETNEWSLEDGER: How as Mayor will you work with the Ford Government to make sure Thunder Bay’s needs are heard, and addressed?
Mariann Sawicki: I would certainly make a point of having a workable relationship with the Ford government. Thunder Bay is a beautiful city with so much potential and sits in a central location which is a definite asset. I do not think anyone would argue with that fact and understand where I am coming from.
Hope that answers your questions, sincerely Mariann Sawicki