TimminsToday asked each of the candidates to submit a bio to introduce themselves to the voters. Here's Ward 2 candidate Lorne Feldman's:
My name is Lorne Feldman.
Born and raised in this community, I returned after graduating from Osgoode Law School in Toronto, to honour a pledge I made to my father Morris to continue building on Feldman timber's century long commitment to the city.
Twelve years ago I moved to South Porcupine from Timmins when I met my wife Anna Nenonen, a lifelong resident of the Porcupine area. Immediately I recognized the special sense of community that exists amongst the residents and realized there is not a better place to raise a family, enjoy good friends and experience all that Northern Ontario has to offer. South Porcupine is a true gem.
The central focus of my campaign will be on the needs of hard-working residents in Ward 2 who have and continue to be the reason why South Porcupine and for that matter, the entire city has enjoyed the success it has since the early 1900s. I will be a strong voice for both our seniors who have built this community and our working families that are struggling to provide their children with a better future. These residents have earned and deserve an affordable, safe and enjoyable lifestyle which I believe is the obligation of both elected and administrative officials of this municipality.
I intend on relentlessly pursuing annual reductions of residential property taxes which are among the highest in the province along with a freeze on water and sewer bills for homeowners who currently absorb an astounding 75 percent of the totality of property taxes collected by the city. Moreover, I will advocate strongly to ensure continued affordability and appropriate building maintenance for our cherished seniors residing at Spruce Hill Lodge and Kulta Koti
I will engage with our police services, educators and health care professionals to keep our community and children healthy and safe in the face of increasing criminal activities that are taking place in our neighbourhoods and schools.
Leisure is crucial to improving the lifestyle of residents and it goes without saying that initiatives to maintain and enhance our lakes, trails, park areas and modernizing our recreational facilities are a crucial priority to myself. While some steps have been taken to address the issues plaguing Porcupine Lake, much more needs to be done to restore it to the summer and winter destination it deserves to be. Park projects such as the one tabled last year at Melview Park warrant meaningful assistance from the municipality as parks serve as wonderful and safe social hubs for families and friends. Also let us not forget our beloved arena the "Barn", a historic fixture that has produced so many incredible athletes and as important memories. My commitment to enhance leisure in Ward 2 will not waver.
Together we will get there. Feel free to call me at 705-365-0931 to discuss what issues are important to you and your families.
The municipal election is on Oct. 24. Election day is Oct. 24. The other Ward 2 candidates are Mickey Auger and Marcus Niebler.
