THUNDER BAY – At-large Coun. Peng You is the acting mayor for July. He’d like to make it his permanent job come this fall.
The first-term councillor, who finished second running for the provincial Conservatives last month in Thunder Bay-Superior North, on Friday announced his intention to seek the mayor’s chair and take over for current Mayor Bill Mauro.
Mauro earlier this week announced he would not seek a second term.
“It’s Canada Day and I’m acting mayor. I want to be the real mayor,” You said off-stage, moments after drawing the winning ticket in the Fort William Rotary’s House Lottery draw on the main stage at Marina Park.
“I know the election is coming in October and I think I’m ready to give it a shot to run for mayor for Thunder Bay.”
You, who ran away with top spot in the at-large race four years ago, said he’s been giving plenty of thought to his political future.
“I think I’ve learned a lot from my constituents and from officials. I think I have a shot at conquering the (hearts) of Thunder Bay. I don’t want to quit. I had to think which position I wanted to go for, either councillor-at-large or mayor,” he said.
“Overall, I firmly believe at the bottom of my heart, sincerely want to contribute. I want to do my best and I want the City of Thunder Bay to give me a chance.”
You said as mayor, he wants to focus on economic growth, bringing new businesses and new money to the city, opening the door for a brighter financial future for everyone.
“We have to focus on bringing in fresh money, fresh ideas,” he said. “We have to be open to the world, not just nationally, but internationally.
“Secondly this city has to be safe and we have to be united. It doesn’t matter who you are. If you live in Thunder Bay, you call Thunder Bay home. We are on the big ship of Thunder Bay and we have to be united and paddle that boat in the same direction.”
You, who has not officially filed his nomination papers at the city clerk’s office, said he plans to do so on Tuesday. He joins Gary Mack and Robert Szczepanski in the race for the mayor's chair. Mack filed in May, while Szczepanski filed last month.
