TimminsToday asked each of the candidates to submit a bio to introduce themselves to the voters. Here's Ward 5 candidate James McMahon's introduction:
My decision was not just to vote but to get involved and offer my experience in life (sales manager manufactured housing, inside sales pipe, valves and fittings, renovations, supervisor office installations/commercial moves/transportation company) in the hopes of making Timmins a better place to live, to have our quality of life back and raise our families.
Timmins faces many challenges ahead. We see today the results of electing people to public office who have made "poor" decisions on our behalf. Their results are in the news daily. The safety and quality of life of the community's citizens should be a top priority for those at the helm of the City of Timmins. The broader population is either afraid of what they are seeing or they are frankly quite fed up with the situation. This is the legacy of the current council. I want my neighbourhood and downtown back.
We must represent all residents and not just special interest groups. Timmins residents deserve to have their voices heard and be represented by councillors who are attentive to their issues. I will bring the voices of the residents into the chamber of city hall. The city is not going directly to the people proactively — I will change this. I'm dedicated to listening to people to address the issues behind the community's concerns. This approach distinguishes myself from the incumbents and more than ever Timmins needs councillors who are truly invested in the well-being of our community. This election is about responsible local government that serves the people and to support changes that improve the city for its residents.
I will work strategically to uncover and to discover a common vision to move us forward and to find compromise and mutually beneficial solutions, even when in disagreement. I understand the importance of co-operation and teamwork to achieve goals for our city. We have so many dynamic issues in Timmins and opportunities in front of us. The work will be challenging given the state of affairs in our city today.
My focus on key issues like accessibility, accountability and transparency, viable growth and financial sustainability, high property taxes, public safety, escalating crime, population growth, immigration, more affordable housing, neglected infrastructure, overall mismanagement, public transit, expansion of small business, revitalizing our downtown and community, increasing homelessness and restoring Timmins character is priority.
To learn more, email election2022forabettertomorrow
The municipal election is on Oct. 24. The other candidates in Ward 5 are Steve Black, Rick Dubeau, Veronica Farrell, Andrew Marks, Caroline Martel, Kristin Murray, Cory Robin, Neil Siblall and Ed Stecewicz.
