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Flin Flon byelection candidate questionnaires: Tom Therien

Why are you running for council? What are your qualifications? Do you have experience 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.
therien
  1. Why are you running for council? What are your qualifications? Do you have experience 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.

  1. What would you wish to address with local government if elected?

There are several issues facing Flin Flon besides Hudbay. Major issues include, but are not limited to, attracting businesses, health care and our homeless population. These are all issues that need to be dealt with in a realistic, positive manner through consultation with government and other agencies.

  1. 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.

  1. What do you believe should be the City’s priorities on infrastructure?

That Flin Flon's infrastructure is aging is inarguable. It is a priority that we continue to upgrade as funds allow us to avoid major breakdowns in the future that cause the City to spend funds not budgeted for.

  1. 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 plan 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 employees to reside.

  1. The City is planning several capital spending projects in the coming years, including a 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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 all the best.

  1. In 25 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.

  1. What question do you wish we would have asked?

There may have been an opportunity to discuss what motivated candidates to seek office.

Five people have put their names forward for the vacant seat on Flin Flon’s city council. The Reminder has sent each of those candidates a list of 11 questions with specific rules and structures, designed to show the public their stances on several local subjects.

Each candidate was tasked with providing answers of 60 words or less - answers far over that count have been cut off, as per the agreed upon rules. Answers have been edited for spelling, grammar and Canadian Press style, but the content of each answer is as the candidate submitted it.

The answers solely represent the views of the candidates - they do not reflect the views of The Reminder.

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