THUNDER BAY – Donna Brown fixes computers for a living. She’s also hoping she can help fix city hall, from the inside.
The entrepreneur is one of three candidates running for the Red River Ward seat, looking to topple long-time city councillor Brian McKinnon, who has held the seat since 2006.
Brown says there are plenty of improvements that can be made to the way the city operates.
“I am passionate about the community and I have fresh new ideas backed by 24 years of working at PC Medic. I’m heavily involved in the community through active volunteerism,” Brown said, explaining why she’d make a good councillor.
Of those new ideas, tourism is an area she’d like to see the city take a different approach with. She pointed to the recent opening of the Alexander Henry as an example of a tourism success story, one she’d like to see the city build upon.
“I think if we can improve our tourism, that’ll bring dollars into the city and that will help business as well,” Brown said.
“I’m looking at new businesses that are starting up, smaller ideas like walks downtown through the community. It gives people a way to see our community and be active.”
Speaking of business, there’s too much red tape aimed at business, something that needs to change.
“I’ve had to wait months for certain items to get done, so that I could move on an improve my business. And I’d like to cut through that red tape,” Brown said.
An avid wildlife photographer in her spare time, Brown was adamant that the city must do whatever it can to get actively involved it Thunder Bay neighbourhoods.
“I think we have to talk to constituents and see what their needs are and address them,” she said.
When it comes to spending, pot holes and the crumbling sidewalks must come first.
“I know one resident had to replace two of their tires because they parked too close to the curb and scraped up against the crumbling concrete.”
Brown is pleased that the city seems to be growing in places, particularly the downtown north core, but said still more needs to be done to attract and keep young families.
One thing’s for sure, Brown is convinced voters are looking for change this time around.
“People would like to see new fresh ideas brought forth, and I believe I could do that with my experience.”
The municipal election is on Oct. 22.
