Lori Paras
Why did you decide to run for council?
Put quite simply, I am running because I love and I'm passionate about Thunder Bay. I would like to our city be more focused on serving the real needs of the people who live here and do business. I'm also concerned that many socioeconomic decisions are being made without real public discussion and input. I know many people in our community share these perspectives.
I also believe that over many years, the balance of power has shifted from the elected members to city administration. This is the result of a complacent council, repeatedly re-elected, that has allowed the administration to take a firm hold on how the city is being run without input from its elected officials.
It's time for a change. It's time for a council committed to working towards a more equitable partnership between your elected representatives and your city's administration. It's time for cooperation between all stakeholders. Thunder Bay is your city. I will listen to you and put the decision making back into your hands.
As an established entrepreneur in Thunder Bay, I can bring fresh energy into the public service. The experience and knowledge that I have acquired in running a business translate directly into the role & responsibilities of a Councillor at Large. Networking and building relations have also been a big part of my journey and it will come in handy as I engage with the community to listen and learn.
My commitments to the people of Thunder Bay are as follows:
End the spending of tax dollars on projects that we cannot afford
Advocate on your behalf for a decrease in your city water bill
Fight to end the continuous increase to commercial and residential taxes
Ensure that we adhere to the governance in the decision-making process
Establishing relations with the Indigenous community to foster reconciliation
I believe that I have the background and experience to be an effective Councillor at Large and bring a new perspective to ensure that priorities align with community needs. If elected, I will do my best to be fair, listen to all views and try to uphold the communities interests through your voice.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your city any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
Invest it in a Community Care Healing Centre.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your city faces?
At this moment in time we are facing the big issues of homelessness, addiction and crime. We must build a plan that will mend the social fabric and advocate for our most vulnerable citizens.
Working with other City Councillors, City Administration, First Nation Communities, and Community Stakeholders we can identify the services we are lacking in helping people suffering from addiction begin their healing journey.
We need and must actively begin the process to build a Community Care Healing Centre built on a model of “complete care” that avoids the pitfalls that many addicts fall through when trying to access detox centres, treatment facilities, halfway houses, housing and aftercare programs.
We must also lobby to build affordable housing in the community and continue to partner with First Nation communities who are willing to invest in building housing facilities within the city.
Putting more “Feet on the Street” in vulnerable neighbourhoods and collaborating with community care initiatives such as the Bear Clan Patrol is vital to a successful return to safety within the city. Policing is not near the level it needs to be to initiate lasting change.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
I will be accessible through Facebook and email. I will make the time to hold town halls in all parts of the city to get ideas and feedback on city initiatives and issues the ward may be facing. I am going to consistently be "Putting People First" if elected to serve.
What is your favourite thing to do in your city?
My favourite thing to do in the city is drive to Mission Marsh and look at the Sleeping Giant.
What do you cherish most about your community?
It's people.
Where can people find you?
https://www.loriparas.com/
https://www.facebook.com/parasforthepeople/