THUNDER BAY – The city’s at-large race continues to grow as the nomination deadline looms closer.
Derek W. Lankinen became the seventh confirmed participant on the ballot, officially filing his candidacy on Monday.
In a Facebook post, Lankinen said he has lived in Thunder Bay for 36 years and has observed a renewed energy in the city.
“However, with the way our provincial election turned out both locally and province wide, there’s valid reasons to believe our optimism may feel challenged this year,” Lankinen said in the post.
“The best way to positively affect Thunder Bay residents’ daily lives is at the municipal level.”
Lankinen said he has been on the receiving end of support from the people of Thunder Bay to allow young entrepreneurs to succeed.
“I would like to see Thunder Bay take this energy and put it into projects that gain our city the national attention it deserves for our passionate citizens and their incredible ideas,” Lankinen said.
“I would like to ensure that this energy is restored in our City Hall by making our city more efficient and fiscally accountable for the taxes it collects from all of us.”
Three of the current at-large incumbents – Iain Angus, Larry Hebert and Frank Pullia – have filed to run for mayor. Aldo Ruberto has registered his re-election bid while Rebecca Johnson has yet to announce her intentions.
Other challengers in the at-large field include Diane Armstrong, Kim Ducharme, Chris Krumpholz and Tracey MacKinnon. Schreiber mayor Mark Figliomeni on Monday announced his intention to enter the race.
Nominations to run for a city council position close on July 27.
