Dan Onichuk profile

With the 2006 municipal election underway and ballots being received in the mail by local voters starting this week, incumbent mayoral candidate Dan Onichuk said he’s more than prepared to lead Fort Frances for a second term if elected.
“I decided to run for a second term as mayor of Fort Frances after winning the last election,” he noted last week. “At that time, I announced that I was prepared to serve the residents of Fort Frances for the next 10 years if the voters see fit to elect me.
“At that time, there were a lot of major issues inherited from the previous
mayor and council that needed to be cleaned up. Over the past three years, we have managed to resolve several of them,” added Onichuk, noting the Couchiching sewer and water, town finances, and the matter of unsold condos as just a few examples.
“This first term of office has seen its successes and failures and frustrations with virtually all energy focused on the finances of the community in the first
year.
“Council has been able to save taxpayers dollars through efficiencies gained in departments without laying off any full-time workers, and in my opinion, maintained the services in the community at a higher standard than previously, and the administration and staff of the Town of Fort Frances deserve a lot of credit for that,” remarked Onichuk.
He said there’s also other issues he’s committed much time and energy to in the past three years that he still wants to get done if he’s elected.
These range from ensuring the town’s rights and interests are protected with Pither’s Point Park, roads and infrastructure, and the Agency One/Two Chain litigation with several neighbouring First Nations.
“There are other issues that council has not been prepared to commit to and resolve,” stressed Onichuk, including a complete review of the official plan, sewer and water long-term funding, and a truck route that would provide better access and significant costs savings for companies in the industrial park while at the same time reducing the “wear and tear” on Scott Street and La Verendrye Parkway, and further provide a safer environment along those main routes in town by reducing truck traffic.
When asked about accusations levelled by some local citizens about too much secrecy shrouding several significant issues the town has dealt with over the past three years, Onichuk said more public input, as well as explanation, is needed.
“Because of the issues inherited by this council, and new issues arising that require negotiations, legal proceedings, and personnel, a considerable amount of work, time, and effort have been dedicated to resolving them and these type of matters are in-camera issues,” he explained.
“I agree that there has not been enough of public input and openness regarding issues such as the clinic, the power agreement between the mill, the province and its obligation to the town, and long-term development planning,” added Onichuk.
“This can be easily resolved if council made clear to those who parties seeking assistance, financial or otherwise, from the town, that full disclosure and public consultation is required before moving forward with any agreements.”
Onichuk concluded he simply wants what’s best for Fort Frances and all its residents, and pledges to act in their best interests if elected.
“I am proud and humbled to be the mayor of Fort Frances,” he said.
“The lifestyle and community that my wife and five children now enjoy living in Fort Frances confirms that one of the best moves I’ve made in my life was to come home,” he added.