TimminsToday asked each of the candidates to submit a bio to introduce themselves to the voters. Here's Timmins mayoral candidate Steve Black's:
Mayor Steve Black obtained a degree in mining engineering from Queen’s University. He worked locally in the mining industry until December of 2014 when he was elected Mayor after serving a term as city councillor for Ward 5.
He is the chair of the Timmins Police Service Board, chair of the Cochrane District Social Services Board (responsible for EMS, housing, childcare, and Ontario Works programs in the region), chair of the Timmins Violence Against Women Advisory Committee, vice-chair of the Timmins Economic Development Corporation, board member of the Porcupine Health Unit, board member of the Timmins and District Hospital, board member of the Mattagami Region Conservation Authority, and board member of the Federation of Northern Ontario Municipalities.
Steve lives with his wife and their children. The future of the community for our families and the ability to attract other families to the region is a guiding principle of Mayor Black’s vision for the community.
Quality of life remains a key focus. The community has seen the return of the Timmins Rock hockey team this term. There have been many great festivals and events throughout the term including the Great Canadian Kayak Festival, Stars and Thunder and Hometown Hockey in addition to great community driven events like Fall Fair, Rock on the River, and Snowcross. The city has completed over $11 million dollars of road work on the connecting link highway, committed $26 million to upgrades around Porcupine Lake and many other core infrastructure projects throughout the city.
Mayor Steve Black understands the financial concerns as well and led council to passing a 2017 budget with the third lowest net expenditure increase since 2003. In 2018 council passed the second lowest increase since 2003 at 1.93 per cent showing that investing in quality of life and a balanced fiscal plan are both possible.
Follow his campaign at:
http://www.steveblackformayor.com
The other candidates in the mayor's race are:
Raymond Burey, Daniel Fortier, Lauchlan MacInnes, and George Pirie
