It is time for some fresh faces on city council, says Austin Haner.
The 19-year-old was compelled to throw his hat into the municipal race after noticing a number of infrastructure deficits in the ward and is one of two challengers looking to unseat longtime incumbent Linda Rydholm as the Neebing ward representative at city hall.
The lack of a second access route in and out of the Parkdale subdivision and road maintenance are primary concerns.
The political science and economics student at Lakehead University said he is ready to make a difference in the community, with his education giving him the ability to serve.
“I feel like I have the knowledge background. The only way to get experience is by doing things and I believe getting on council and getting that experience is the best way to start,” Haner said.
With the high number of murders in the city dominating headlines in 2014, crime prevention must be a priority for the next council.
“We need to make sure we’re making good investments in social programs that will be helpful for our city to make violence less prevalent,” he said.
Haner said he is a supporter of the proposed event centre project, believing in the impact it will have on the younger generations and the city’s future.
“I believe it will bring us together as a community. It is a big investment but I believe it will be good for the city’s future because I am for growth and I am a young man growing up and hoping to stay in the city,” he said.
“I believe that is something that will keep young people here.”
He is running to ensure Thunder Bay can hold on to its young people and to continue to make it an attractive, vibrant community.
“I want to do well for the city. I want the city to grow so I have somewhere to live in the future that I’m proud of and I want to make it the best for all of us in Thunder Bay."
Twitter: @theaustinhaner
