THUNDER BAY – Former Chronicle-Journal publisher Clint Harris has filed to run for Thunder Bay mayor.
Harris, who submitted his nomination papers at city hall on Monday, joins entrepreneur Gary Mack, at-large Coun. Peng You and Robert Szczepanski in the four-candidate race. Current Mayor Bill Mauro has said he will not seek a second term.
Harris said he wants to make the city the best it can be.
“Giving back to communities is not new to me, and as I lived in numerous cities in Ontario, I always found a way to contribute,” he said in a statement issued to Dougall Media.
A member for the Fort William Rotary Club for 25 years, Harris said charitable work has been an important part of his life for the past 40 years, Harris said he’s been a leader in business, an important function of the mayor’s office.
“I am familiar with leading a team and ensuring we are making the best decisions and understanding the current climate, you know reading the room as in making the best decisions the city can make to ensure they meet the goals of the community,” he said.
Harris said he’s got the background required to guide the city into the next four years and help tackle the problems facing it.
“I know the challenges ahead and if you know me, I am a serious guy when it comes to caring and I have created solutions throughout the city in almost every role I played as a leader or part of the team,” Harris said.
“This new team will need a leader that can in every way bring solutions that meet the needs of our current climate and take great care in listening to our community and allow their voices to be heard without prejudice which is the only possible way for the entire city to be part of the bigger team, all of us working together to create successes we can celebrate together.”
Harris doesn’t come without controversy.
He was involved in a highly publicized drinking and driving incident several years ago, which led to his departure from the day-to-day operations of Thunder Bay’s only daily newspaper. He pleaded guilty and was given a six-month conditional sentence and a three-year driving ban.
“As many of my close friends know the three hundred plus events a year as publisher of the newspaper and taking on all the important roles in our community I took on eventually caught up and the well-published incident for over a year took its toll on me,” Harris said.
“It was time I took care of me and that I did putting in the hard worked required to become healthy mentally and physically. Well after a three year hiatus I can tell you I am stronger in every way and ready to do what is needed to make us all proud to live in Thunder Bay.”
The election is Oct. 24 and the filing deadline is Aug. 19.
