Three contenders are vying for the position of Northwood Ward councilor in the upcoming municipal election in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Responding to a request from CBC News, each candidate provided concise answers to three identical questions ahead of the October 26 vote. The responses have been organized alphabetically based on the candidates’ last names.
André Gagné:
After closely monitoring council proceedings following the challenges posed by COVID, economic instability, and business closures, I decided to run for council. My immersion in council activities, extensive research, engagement with city officials, and participation in various ward meetings gave me a comprehensive grasp of municipal processes and issues. With a background in economics and business development, I aim to leverage my expertise to align council decisions with the city’s evolving demands, focusing on areas like municipal finance and homelessness.
Top on my agenda for Northwood is addressing the aging infrastructure, particularly the renewal of roads like James Street. Given the neighborhood’s heightened density, I advocate for a fair distribution of revenue generated from growth to enhance public amenities such as parks, sidewalks, and transit stops. These spaces should be well-maintained, user-friendly, and governed by transparent and consistently enforced regulations.
If elected, my foremost task would be halting the proposed reduction in capacity on James Street. I believe in prioritizing existing infrastructure, enhancing core services, and ensuring effective governance of public areas to sustain the city’s economic progress.
Syed Kabir:
As a resident of Northwood raising my family in the neighborhood, I am motivated to run for council to apply my 15 years of leadership and financial management experience to drive positive changes. I am committed to advocating for prudent investments, sound financial strategies, and increased value for taxpayers’ money. My focus will be on bolstering municipal services, enhancing neighborhood safety, fostering responsible decision-making, and amplifying the voices of Northwood residents through transparency, accountability, and action on local concerns.
In Northwood, key issues include the upkeep of infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, and drainage systems, alongside addressing rising property taxes and ensuring reliable municipal services. I emphasize the importance of maintaining existing amenities while planning for future requirements and fostering collaborations among stakeholders to enhance public safety.
If entrusted with the councilor role, my immediate priority would be to engage with Northwood residents to understand their pressing needs concerning infrastructure, safety, and service delivery. I would work closely with city administration and council to align priorities, scrutinize budget allocations, and focus on delivering tangible improvements that enhance residents’ daily lives.
John Ongaro:
Having deep roots in Northwood, I am driven to run for council by a desire to contribute meaningfully to the community where I grew up, educated my children, and built my career. Drawing from over a decade of monitoring council activities and engaging in discussions about city decisions, I aim to bring my local knowledge and commitment to collaborative problem-solving to the council table.
In Northwood, my focus areas include addressing infrastructure needs, traffic flow adjustments due to ongoing development, and ensuring neighborhood safety and responsible spending. I advocate for decisions on critical matters like James Street’s configuration to align with present traffic patterns and prioritize residents’ concerns for accessible and responsive council representation.
If elected, my primary objective would be to assess Northwood’s infrastructure requirements, review scheduled projects, and align them with the city’s capital plan. By understanding the community’s needs and advocating for practical solutions, I aim to ensure that Northwood’s interests are prominent in council discussions while recognizing the broader impact of decisions on the entire city.