By Rosalind Russell – An Espanola councillor has declared his intention of running for mayor
Aidan Kallioinen, who has served one term on Espanola council, is throwing his hat in the ring to take on incumbent Mayor Douglas Gervais.
Kallioinen says he is not running due to dissatisfaction, age or personalities, but rather recognizing that Espanola is at a crossroads and the decisions made by council now will affect the municipality beyond 2040, so long-term modernization is needed.
He says growth protects ratepayers over the long-term and more balanced budgets protect services that are needed in town including economic diversification, tourism development, holding the line on taxes and maintaining services.
As to his age, he is 22, he says trust is build not simply on age, but preparation, commitment, showing up for the community, adding he is in it for the long-term.
He says the last four years was about managing the crisis of the mill closure, the next four will focus on building a measurable strategy for growth including economic diversification, support for small or medium size businesses and advocacy to other levels of government.
The municipal elections will be held this fall.
Photo by Rosalind Russell
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