THUNDER BAY – Aldo Ruberto may be Thunder Bay’s biggest cheerleader.
The long-time at-large city councillor sings the city’s praises every chance he gets, trying to focus on the positives, while at the same time acknowledging there are plenty of negatives that need as much attention as they can get.
Ruberto, a former hairdresser-turned-entrepreneur, has served on city council since 2006 and is seeking a fourth term on Oct. 22, one of 26 candidates in the running for one of five at-large berths.
“I’ve travelled extensively and I could live anywhere in the world and I choose Thunder Bay, because to me, I feel it offers the best quality of life anywhere – and I’m talking about things like the best water, best air, the great environment and so many activities to participate in if you want to,” Ruberto said.
“I have a passion that says keep on going, keep on doing whatever you can for this city.”
The 12-year veteran said when that passion disappears, he’ll know it’s time to step down. For now, there’s still plenty he’d like to accomplish.
Looking long-term, Ruberto has long been a backer of a multi-purpose recreational trail along the city’s 52-kilometre waterfront.
“It’s been 12 years and I’ve never let it go. I’m on the waterfront committee and I want to see this happen for our city because I know the positive effect this will have,” he said.
In the shorter term, Ruberto believes council should advocate on behalf of city police to convince the province to enact tougher laws.
“When (police) raid a drug house and the next day the people are out again, there’s something about our laws that have to be changed. If the gangs are in town creating problems, then let’s give the police more power to address the issues,” Ruberto said. “Let’s help them take care of these gangs.”
As for the surrounding social issues and the fear the province will continue to ignore the problem, Ruberto said if the city has to find a way to address them and cover the costs, then that’s what they’ll do.
Anything less is irresponsible.
“Anything that affects our city is our responsibility. And if we can’t directly impact it, then what we do is we lobby the federal government. We lobby the provincial government and say, ‘Listen, help us out. We need your help. We need your resources.
