THUNDER BAY – Lori Paras says her passion for the city of Thunder Bay is what led her to enter this year’s crowded at-large race.
One of 26 candidates vying for just five spots, Paras joked she told her mother when she was a young girl that she intended to enter municipal politics, but the timing just never seemed right.
Things are different in 2018, Paras said.
“I think I felt I needed to contribute more to the city and now I feel I have and think I have the right to put my name in the ring,” Paras said, promising to bring fresh energy to the role.
Her platform includes plenty of big promises, including killing spending of tax dollars on projects the city can’t afford, working to find ways to decrease city water bills and fighting to end Thunder Bay’s endless cycle of commercial and residential tax increases.
She also wants to work alongside the city’s Indigenous community to foster the reconciliation process.
As a businesswoman, Paras said there’s a lack of respect in the city toward the entrepreneur, another thing she’d like to change from the inside.
“Basically there’s a culture in there that needs to change and it needs to be one of respect and welcoming of the entrepreneur,” she said.
Paras said first and foremost the social fabric of Thunder Bay needs mending.
She’s got a plan to help further that goal along.
“We’ve got to take care of our most vulnerable, whether that’s the addict who is homeless on the street, or a paramedic, police officer or firefighter. They’re also vulnerable on the street. They’re our frontline workers,” Paras said.
“So I have stepped out and said I want to build a treatment centre here in Thunder Bay, a community care centre where when the addict is ready to get well, we can bring them through a system that has no cracks that they’ll fall through.”
Paras said the crime and gang activity must also be addressed.
“It’s our city, we need to be involved. We need to look at what’s going on, find a solution, build that strategy and give a date (for completion),” Paras said.
The municipal election is on Oct. 22.
