The new Fort Frances council for 2014-18 only was sworn in Monday evening but, as Mayor Roy Avis correctly observed, it will have to hit the ground running.
Fortunately, with five returning faces to the table, that shouldn’t present much of a problem. And clearly the community has faith that newcomers June Caul and Wendy Brunetta are up to the challenge—given they were the top two voter-getters in the Oct. 27 municipal election.
It’s also great to see a female perspective back on council to better reflect (though not completely match) the gender makeup of our community.
With all the economic woes Fort Frances currently faces, the new council has a tough task ahead. Saving the mill obviously is the top priority, but attracting new industries and businesses remains a close second.
There’s our crumbling infrastructure, a doctor shortage, and the need for assisted living. On top of all that is balancing the need for services with a dwindling tax base to pay for them.
Thankfully, seven people are willing to meet these challenges—and countless others—head-on over the next four years.
We may not agree with all their decisions but they certainly deserve our thanks and respect for serving, and we wish them well for the coming term.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
