Young blood

Frank Delahunty wants to bring pizzazz to the Wabush council chambers.

The 32-year-old Wabush resident signed his nomination papers Sept. 8 officially entering the race for mayor, and though he admits he's never been involved in politics before, he believes he has what it takes.

"I'm spirited," he said. "I want to see change in the Town of Wabush. I want to see a change in the viability of the community."

Delahunty said he sees a number of issues that need to be addressed in Wabush like recreation, and he noted there has to be a way to turn the deficit of the recreation centre into a profit.

Concerts....bring back theatre

He admitted any plan would be a work in progress and he'll be relying on the expertise of the town council to help revamp the recreation centre, but he believes it can be done.

"I would like to see some concerts down there," he outlined some ideas for overhauling the facility. "I would like to see it generate profit through different sports events and once upon a time there used to be a theatre in the Wabush Recreation Centre, so I'd like to see that come back."

Delahunty conceded there is a significant amount of work that needs to go ahead at the recreation centre - he worked with the Town of Wabush for the summer - but he thinks all the outstanding issues can be addressed.

The young man said he has a health and safety background - he currently works as a safety manager at RSM Mining Services and was a medical attendant at IOC - and noted that mixed with his love of his community - he was born and raised in Wabush - gives him a unique perspective.

Young blood

"We need change, we need spirit, we need that young spunk," he pointed out. "Our past mayors were great people, however, they have the old-style of thinking that change has to come from dollar signs. I'm here to say it can come without dollar signs and I'm willing to put my foot forward for my community."

Delahunty said he is aware there are financial challenges in Wabush and he is willing to approach Wabush Mines for additional funding for a grant in lieu of taxes, however, he explained there are more opportunities out there.

He said he'd like to try to attract more businesses to Wabush - over the years many have moved out of town - and he wants the community to remember its roots.

"I want to make it viable, sustainable, healthy and safe," he stated. "I want to bring it back to what it used to be with carnivals and family-oriented events. I want to bring the community back together as a family."

Delahunty admitted funding constraints have probably played a big role in the loss of community events, but so have age demographics.

He noted Wabush is an aging community, but there are still young people around that need a voice.

"Our youth need to have a say in what's going on in our community," he stated. "Right now, I find they don't have a say, they haven't had a say and they want it."

For instance, Delahunty said he's talked with a group of young people in town who would like a dirt bike park in the Wabush pits, and he believes it could be an opportunity to grow the community while generating revenue.

Beautiful town-bright future

Wabush, he stressed, is a beautiful town with a bright future and he's happy to be throwing his hat in the ring in an effort to make it better.

"A lot of people are happy I'm running," he explained the feedback he's received so far. "They're glad there's some young blood trying to make a difference in the community. It's going to be a learning curve. I don't deny that, but I'm not afraid to take it on."

Delahunty said he will be looking to people like former mayor and candidate for council Jim Farrell for guidance if elected, but in the meantime his plan is to hit the streets of his town to get his name and face out there.

"I'd like for everyone out there to choose the right mayor for the right time," he stated. "I'm young-hearted, I have a wealth of knowledge, and I will fight for what's right."