More councillor candidates took to the hot seat.
14 out of the 15 people running in wards one and five discussed their platforms for the upcoming election and discussed topics brought forward by the business and public community. This included:
Ward 1:
- Rock Whissell
- Veronica Farrell
Ward 5:
- Alex Szcezbonski
- Cory Robin
- Jason Sereda
- John Ivanovs
- Jean Roy
- Andrew Marks
- Rick Dubeau
- Noella Rinaldo
- Michelle Boileau
- Kristin Murray
- Michael Doody
- Karina Miki Douglas-Takayesu
The Timmins Chamber of Commerce says ward one candidate Ken Pye declined his invitation to the debate.
Each candidate got two minutes for opening and closing statements. Only a few people were able to answer questions brought forward due to time restrictions. Candidate s said they chose to use their individual time to give some of their election platforms.
Ward five candidate Murray says she wants to build a community that thrives. she says she wants to address social community engagement, homelessness, addiction, stabilizing the tax base and keeping people here. Murray adds that Timmins needs to make sure today’s dreams don’t bankrupt the cities tomorrow.
Ward five candidate Sereda says this election is about change, leadership, transparency and respect. He says he sees a land of opportunity in Timmins like building riverside boardwalks and bringing in more arts and culture. He adds that there have also been missed opportunities when it comes to things outlined in the Timmins 2020 vision. Sereda says he wants to grow a community that can benefit all.
Ward one candidate Farrell says she sees the city declining and wants to help fix that. She says the same issues come up in every municipal election. She adds that she isn;t making any promises because if elected she is one of seven voices on council. Farrell says council needs to work together and respect the decisions that are made.
Ward five candidate Douglas-Takayesu says she wants to bring arts and science programs to Timmins. She says business in the downtown core needs to be increased. She says the downtown should take a look at what the airport does with having free parking for the first hour. Douglas-Takayesu says Timmins needs to work on more access to resources, bringing in youth and community wellbeing.
Ward five candidate Doody says his vision for Timmins is to have the community work together and work as a team. He says when we work together and speak with one voice, it makes a strong voice that can be heard. Doody adds that Timmins is his home and he thinks it’s a great community, but we can make it better.
Ward five candidate Rinaldo says the city is moving forward, but there are always things that need to be improved. She says things like affordable housing has improved thanks to services like Living Space, but the homelessness problem is not solved. Rinaldo adds that Timmins needs to work on its crumbling infrastructure, make it inclusive for all and provide employment for the people here.
Ward five candidate Marks adds that his vision for Timmins is to make it a better place. He says the city needs to diversify the economy to make the local economy grow, better the quality of life so people choose to live in Timmins, be part of the Northern Newcomers Strategy to get more families in the city and listen to the youth.
Ward five candidate John Ivanovs says he wants to return fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency to council. He says he does not support the proposed aquatic centre or Stars and Thunder, no matter how many days it would go for. He says he wants to extend tax grants to all seniors.
Ward five candidate Szczebonski says costs need to be properly planned for projects and properly explained to residents. He adds that Porcupine Lake cleanup is a top priority because it is a quality of life issue for everyone. Szczebonski adds that Timmins needs to upgrade the MacIntyre Arena, revitalize downtown, add more parking and stores, as well as review its spending practices.
Ward one candidate Whissell says running for one of the biggest wards in the city is a challenge, but he is dedicated to making it and the city better. He says he is working on getting a permanent building for the Mountjoy Farmers Market, will continue to grow the Fall Fair and represent all of ward one’s needs. Whissell adds that the opportunities for Timmins are endless as long as people work together.
Ward five candidate Robin says he wants to ensure Timmins becomes a place where youth want to stay and raise a family. He says Timmins can do this by investing in the community, services, businesses and youth.
Ward five candidate Dubeau says he knows he has been labelled and negative on council, but he thinks he is a realist. He says he wants to be positive for Timmins by being responsible and transparent with taxpayer money and how it is being spent.
Ward five candidate Roy says Timmins needs to focus on its infrastructure, adding the committee system, cleaning Porcupine Lake and homelessness. He adds that he would like to see every department in the city, other than police and fire, cut their budgets by two per cent.
Ward five candidate Boileau says some of her big focuses are on social responsibility and retaining and attracting people and youth to the city. She says Timmins needs to revitalize downtown, focus on innovation, bring in new industries like agriculture and continue to foster strategic relationships with post-secondary institutions. Boileau adds that Timmins should also build better relationships with the surrounding northern communities and build a united front to better represent the north at Queens Park.
Some of the topics discussed included attracting and retaining young families in Timmins, top two priorities and where more money needs to be spent.
Mayoral candidates will debate once more on Wednesday with the business community.