THUNDER BAY – Richard Gunn prides himself as an entrepreneur. He just wishes it was easier to do business in Thunder Bay.
The 52-year-old Neebing ward candidate said it gets downright frustrating at times.
“Just looking as a local business owner, the climate for business isn’t always what we expect. We have some hurdles. There were some businesses I was going to bring to the city that really weren’t encouraged by the city,” said Gunn, a first-time political hopeful who lists boating, fishing and cooking amongst his favourite activities.
“It’s difficult to navigate for a small business in the city to get what you want to get accomplished.
Gunn, a father and grandfather, said he also struggles to understand the reasoning behind many of council’s decisions – or lack thereof.
“They’re always on the fence. It takes years to make a decision. I just believe you have to make a decision, and whether it’s the right or the wrong decision, you have to make a decision and move forward. Otherwise you’re just stalling,” he said.
“I just don’t see the city moving forward. I don’t see us being as progressive as we could be.”
It’s too much of the same old, same old, with the same faces winding up winning the municipal races election after election.
That’s no way to exact proper change, Gunn said.
“We need to stack the city with new people … We need some innovation.”
He’d like to streamline the permitting process and eliminate as much of the red tape as possible – while still being responsible as a community.
Inside the ward, a second entrance to Parkdale is a major concern, Gunn said.
“People want to see another entrance there, at least an emergency entrance.”
There are also concerns about safety along Mapleward Road.
“The city is allowing development to happen there, but the city isn’t investing in the infrastructure, so Mapleward Road could be widened. You see families walking down the street. Well, it’s dangerous,” Gunn said, noting it’s time for the city to invest alongside the developers and increase the quality of life of Neebing taxpayers.
For all its issues, Gunn does think the city is positioned well to thrive.
“Thunder Bay has everything you need to attract people. We have the outdoors. We just need a bit more innovative thinking in order to get people to come.”
