As of Thursday, in just over a week, three incumbent Elliot Lake City Councillors Tom Turner, Sandy Finamore and Norman Mann have all filed their papers to seek a run at retaining their seats for another four-year term on Elliot Lake City Council, ending in 2026.
In the last three weeks as well, Mike Thomas, Margaret Pollard and Ken Young have all filed nomination papers to run for a council seat in the 2022 municipal election. The total candidate count so far is 12, not including Dan Marchisella and Chris Patrie, who are running for mayor.
On Oct. 24, Mr. Turner is asking you to vote him back for his second term.
He submitted written responses to several questions from ElliotLakeToday.
ElliotLakeToday: Why are you seeking re-election?
Turner: I am running for council in this coming election and I am asking for your vote so that I can continue my work for the betterment of our wonderful community. As an experienced councillor, I understand the workings of municipal government and the continuous need to adapt to ever-changing needs and priorities.
I’m proud of how our city manages to deliver approximately 100 unique services to our citizens. From garbage collection to drinking water, from snow plowing to providing protective services such as paramedics, police and firefighters, from walking on a sidewalk, to flushing a toilet, turning on lights, or visiting a single park. It’s really tough to imagine going a single day without using a municipal service.
ElliotLakeToday: What are the greatest strengths of the City of Elliot Lake?
Turner: I believe Elliot Lakers have strong, common bonds and that they support ideas that improve our social well-being and our economic strength. I believe they want their city to be attractive and that they want the City designed to be inclusive for all who live here. These are the things I believe in.
ElliotLakeToday: As for your experience, give us an indication of what you’ve achieved in your first term.
Turner: I have worked diligently on council business during the past four years. In that time, I have acted as chair of the Economic Development Standing Committee, chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and served as a director of the Algoma District Services Board.
Together we have achieved much. Municipal buildings are getting close to 100 per cent accessibility; beach mats and floating wheelchairs are in service; buses now automatically announce stops; our web presence is accessible; businesses have been buying up properties to put up new buildings on and external businesses are inquiring about opportunities for the near future.
ElliotLakeToday: What about housing, which the city has in short supply both in the new and resale home market and in rentals?
Turner: We have three apartment buildings going up in the next two years and they will provide another 170 living units at a minimum. We have conducted surveys and Stage One environmental studies of the old Senator Trailer Park to determine the feasibility of a Tiny Home project for people interested in simplifying their lives.
That work continues and I have actively pushed forward and supported all these projects. More are in the works.
I have a plan for affordable housing. Working with developers and Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), the city could contribute a relatively small amount of money on an annual basis and create another 150 affordable housing units.
This would give an opportunity to seniors and to working families in lower-paid sectors to have a decent rental home at a rate of 10 to 20 per cent less than the market rate.
ElliotLakeToday: What do you consider are the most significant personal strengths that you bring to council?
Turner: There are a multitude of projects always on the go at City Hall and I find my work and problem-solving experience in government and as a business owner serves well.
There is so much I’m interested in contributing to and so many good things to get done. Here is a list; parks, doctors, sewers, ski hills, working as a team at council and committee meetings, golf courses, hotels, crime stats, community paramedics, land use, daycare centres, clubs and fraternal organizations, environmental issues, business partnerships and provincial ministries.
These are all among my daily concerns and they are all worth my time and best efforts. Being a city councillor is a job worth doing well. I am asking for your vote in this next election.”