TOM THERIEN
1. Why are you running for council? What are your qualifications and what experience do you have with public office?
Having served on City council from 1995 — 2010, including a term as Mayor, I feel I can bring a unique perspective to council. I bring a historical viewpoint along with a view to moving the City of Flin Flon forward to continuing to be a vibrant community.
2. What are your main priorities as a candidate?
Review the City’s financial plan to ensure taxes are kept at a realistic leve! while maintaining our ability to have enough funds available for items already on the City’s expenditure list and to handle future capital expenditure including, possibly, a new pool/rec complex.
3. What are your policies on local finances and taxation?
City council needs to keep our tax base realistic while still maintaining infrastructure and services to our citizens. Being a former financial auditor, fiscal responsibility is a priority for me.
4. What do you believe should be the City’s priorities on infrastructure?
That Flin Fion’s infrastructure is aging is unarguable. It is a priority that we continue to upgrade as funds allow, to avoid major breakdowns in the future that cause the City to spend funds not budgeted for.
5. Hudbay is currently planning to shut down most of its operations within Flin Flon within the next two years. As a candidate, how does this affect your platform and what plans do you have regarding the Hudbay closure?
I have always believed that, although an integral part of our community, Hudbay does not define our community. We need to look beyond Hudbay. Operations will cease, but I believe Hudbay will continue to be a part of Flin Flon. There will be a few jobs here, maybe more in the future, and I believe we will be the community of choice for its employees to reside.
6. The City is currently planning several capital spending projects in the coming years, including a possible replacement for the Flin Flon Aqua Centre. What stance do you hold on these projects?
Without knowing how far the City is into its allowable debt, I believe replacement of the Aqua Centre remains a priority as it provides swimming lessons so our children are safe, a place for therapy after illness or injury, and a place of recreation for all.
7. What is your plan for Flin Flon’s future?
Having served as a member of Community Futures Greenstone for several years, we are always looking for ways to ensure the continued viability of Flin Flon as a major community in the north. With the reduction in Hudbay activities, I recognize the challenge this will bring but I bring a positive outlook for the future of Flin Flon.
8. How do you plan on working with nearby communities and councils?
I have always believed that, although separated by a border and a few kilometers, we are all one community. We should be lobbying for more shared services and resources to reduce costs for all communities involved.
9. What are your thoughts on your opponents?
Elections are a great thing. By each of these individuals putting their name forward, they are giving the citizens of Flin Flon the opportunity to choose who they want to serve them for the next two years. I wish them ail the best.
10. How do you plan to promote Flin Flon for business owners, tourists or other entities outside the community?
We need to make sure our website is kept current and relevant for those who visit the site. We need to work with other organizations such as Community Future Greenstone and the Flin Flon and District Chamber of Commerce so the City can be included in all their promotional platforms.
11. What matters involving Flin Flon do you wish to bring to the provincial or federal government?
What monies are available from the Mining Reserve Fund as a result of Hudbay downsizing? What grants are available to help with the pursuit of a new pool/rec complex? Continue talks with the province regarding COVID-19 restrictions as they apply to our area. Attempt to have our MP recognize Flin Flon as part of her constituency.
12. In 30 words or less - what is your elevator pitch for undecided voters?
I am part of the heart of the community. I know the struggles we have encountered and will encounter, My experience and dedication will guide me.
13. What question do you wish we would have asked?
There may have been an opportunity to discuss what motivated candidates to seek office.
