THUNDER BAY – The first candidates have officially thrown their hats into the ring in Thunder Bay’s mayoral and at-large races in the Oct. 24 municipal election.
Local businessperson Gary Mack announced he would run for mayor Monday, while retired hospital employee Kasey (Taylor) Etreni registered to run as an at-large city councillor.
Mack is set to face incumbent Mayor Bill Mauro, who confirmed earlier this year he intends to seek a second term.
He owns Bay Village Coffee, after a social work career that included a stint as executive director of the Shelter House.
Mack said his direct experience with issues like mental health, addictions, and homelessness, as well as entrepreneurship, would serve him well in navigating the city’s challenges.
“I really feel now is a critical time for Thunder Bay," he said. "Our infrastructure is crumbling, we’ve got all sorts of issues going on in our city, and it’s really time for somebody to come along who has vision, who has strong leadership skills, who can navigate us through this difficult time.”
The first-time candidate said he will take the coming weeks meeting with community members to hone a platform that will be focused on the economy, “ensuring [the] Thunder Bay Police Service aligns with community values,” ending homelessness, and caring for local infrastructure.
Etreni, who recently retired after working for decades as a charge radiation therapist at Thunder Bay’s regional hospital, said after years of work helping to lead community groups like Camp Quality and local sports leagues, she’s eager to funnel her energy toward improving the community at large.
She said expanding recreation opportunities, addressing concerns with the police service, and improving roads would be near the top of her list of priorities.
“I appreciate the work council has done up until now, and I want to continue on with that work,” she said. “One of the areas in particular I’m very interested in is recreation for kids closer to home, recreation that costs children and families nothing to participate in.”
Eight candidates had filed to run in the municipal election as of Monday.
In the McKellar Ward, incumbent Brian Hamilton will face off against businesswoman Lori Paras.
Jason Veltri has filed to run in the Red River Ward, while Bill Dell, Chris Krumpholz, and Dominic Pasqualino have all filed in the Northwood Ward.
No candidates had yet registered in the four local school board trustee elections.
Candidates have until Aug. 19 to do so, with the list of those eligible confirmed by the city clerk by Aug. 22.
Residents can track who has filed to run in the municipal election at the city's election website, which is updated each weekday.
Anyone considering running in the election can find information at the city’s election website for candidates or call the city clerk’s office at (807) 627-3859.
