THUNDER BAY – Jeff Upton says he believes in Thunder Bay.
It’s that belief that convinced him it was time to enter the political ring and seek out one of five at-large berths in the Oct. 22 municipal election.
An education officer with the Lakehead District School Board, Upton chairs the city’s crime prevention committee and wants to create a vibrant, inclusive, safe and environmentally friendly and economically strong city.
Upton said it was simply time to step up.
“I want to take the work that we’re currently doing to another level, to the decision-making level at council,” said Upton, who also serves on the city’s drug strategy council and its Respect committee. He’s also worked extensively in the anti-bullying sector and on the white ribbon campaign that decries violence against women.
It’s not surprising crime and safety issues are near the top of his list of issues to tackle if he’s elected to city council.
He said the first steps of combating crime and violence is to attack the root causes, end the cycle of poverty and addiction that lead to so many of Thunder Bay’s problems that have tarnished the city’s image across the country.
“We find when we can address those root issues together as a community we can lower residual crime,” Upton said.
Addressing those issues is a key role of council, he added.
“I strongly believe people aren’t out there committing crime just to commit crime. They’re committing crime because they need to address their personal needs of poverty, of homelessness of health issues. And we need to work on that,” Upton said.
The 55-year-old said he’s been knocking on doors almost every night and the issues vary depend on where he’s canvassing.
While roads and parks are top of mind, taxes are almost a universal issue come election time. Upton said it’s time to look at wants versus needs.
“You have to look at the needs of the community, versus the wants. There’s some great things we’re doing that we’re spending money on, but I strongly suspect those might be wants as opposed to needs,” said Upton, urging voters to take a holistic view of the city and not just one that includes just what’s best for their own neighbourhood.
