Fionn Closs
Fionn Closs is a well-known face in the Township of Assiginack and it his approachable and easygoing manner that he feels would make him a good councillor for the people of the municipality.
“Like most people in most towns across the Island, I have a lot of hope for the township and a lot of hope for the town (Manitowaning),” Mr. Closs said, noting that he would like to be involved in the decision-making process for the municipality.
At age 40, Mr. Closs said he would be a youthful representative on council who could get the wants and needs of Assiginack’s younger residents to the council table.
“People can come to me and feel that they’ve been listened to,” he said. “Because this is my first time, I have no specific platform; I just want to be a productive member of the township.”
If he did have a platform, Mr. Closs continued, “It would be to work as hard as I can, to be available and to take those concerns to the chamber. I’m also good at finding compromise.”
“One of the reasons I ran is because people know who I am,” he said, “I’ve worked at just about every business in this town.”
Mr. Closs said he would like to see Assiginack work on its relationships with its neighbours and perhaps work toward partnerships when and where it can.
He recalled the days when businesses were plentiful in Manitowaning and said Assignack needs to look at ways of encouraging economic development in the community. “Having two children of my own, what’s here for them? As a person who grew up here and desperately wanted to leave, what made me come back?” he questioned, adding that Assiginack Public School and its top quality education had a great deal to do with his decision to raise his family here.
“I think as a good councillor, you serve a role, you serve the people and have to be able to listen with an open mind,” Mr. Closs continued.
The candidate for councillor concluded by encouraging Assiginack residents to get out and vote. “It’s a right we have and should exercise.”