Recognition not an issue says Lawlor

Stan Lawlor Speaks at the opening of his campaign office on Fisher Street.

Traditionally, campaigning for public office involves lots of signs on lawns and at intersections, but Mayoral Candidate Stan Lawlor is taking a different approach.

“Recognition is not our major issue, we will be doing no public signing,” Lawlor said Saturday afternoon at the opening of his campaign office on Fisher Street.

Lawlor who recently retired from teaching sociology at Nipissing University is no stranger to municipal politics. He served on North Bay’s city council from 1973 to 1983, then became mayor in 1984 holding the position for ten years.

Lawlor explained he will find more creative ways of getting his campaign message out to the voters.

“It’s a campaign of substance, rather then just putting signs up that maybe are not as indicative as real support,” he said.

“Signs only work if your issue is recognition, that’s not our major issue.”

Lawlor explained his major issue is “building better, by building together.” He explained North Bay is still using the same strategic plan, which was developed in 1992.

“Strategic plans are all about getting people together to contribute their ideas,” Lawlor said.

“We want to get back to having your vision for the city of North Bay.”

Lawlor said if he is elected, he will work with Cassellholme, the Health Unit, and hospital and waterfront groups to further development in the city.

“Everyone should have input.”

Lawlor explained the next big project for North Bay should be the development of the CPR yards.

“We have the bread of the sandwich; the waterfront and the downtown,” Lawlor said.

“The filler is the CPR yards, and their development will turn North Bay into a city that’s the envy of cities throughout Ontario.”

Lawlor also explained the city’s Capital debt is higher then the $44 Million stated on North Bay’s website. He said the debt doesn’t include $20 million for the hospital, and $9 million for the water plant, which would bring the debt to $73 Million.

He added the city has to stop selling off its surplus lands.

“It’s true some money can be raised this way, but what happens when the property jar is empty?” he asked his supporters.

“Everything is for sale; I want to know when City Hall is going to go up.”