A WINDOW ON THE CITY
AN INTRODUCTION, BY FRANK PULLIA
It is a pleasure to provide the first commentary of this new weekly column, as part of the THUNDER BAY POST community newspaper.
"A Window On The City" will focus on issues of interest to the community of Thunder Bay and region. The aim is to bring together various topics and issues (financial, economical, social, political, etc.) in a clear, concise and cohesive manner, provide clarity and raise questions where necessary.
This column will encompass historical, demographic, and global perspectives. The historical perspective is needed to place issues in context (i.e. how did we get to be where we are today); the demographic perspective will highlight the major trends that are shaping events today, and will continue to do so in the future. The global perspective will tie local and regional issues and trends together in the larger global context.
Whether we like it or not, we live in a global village, and through information technology and the Internet, decisions made today in other parts of the world will quickly have an impact on us in Northern Ontario. For example, an increase in interest rates in the US and its impact on our exchange rate; an increase or decrease in the international price of a barrel of crude oil and its related impact on the price of gasoline regionally, etc.
At the threshold of a new century, it may also benefit us to pause and think back to where we have come from. This region had been a centre of trade even before the first Europeans arrived, and the unparalleled growth at the turn of the century held the promise that the sprawling communities of Port Arthur and Fort William could become the Chicago of the North. Much has happened since then and this vision never became a reality. On the contrary, one hundred years later, our young people are leaving in droves because of lack of opportunities.
From a more recent perspective, many changes have also occurred since amalgamation, and have taken this region in new and unexpected directions. Despite our difficulties we have much to be thankful for, and many opportunities await us.
Change brings both challenges and opportunities. It also forces us to get out of our comfort zone and grow. As I touch on these points throughout this column, one theme will remain constant; either we understand such changes and make them work for us or they will control us and ultimately determine our future.
Another thing is certain. We cannot solve the problems of today with the same kind of thinking that created them in the first place. Not everyone will agree with what I have to say. However, we should never be afraid to learn from each other, and listen constructively. I welcome any feedback and can be reached at 767-6579 or via e-mail at frank@frankpullia.com