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Why Little John is running for City Council

Around Algoma Steel's plate mill, he's known as Little John because almost nobody knows how to pronounce his last name. But after more than 31 years around the steel mill, John Wieczor is due to retire this summer.
HatInTheRing

Around Algoma Steel's plate mill, he's known as Little John because almost nobody knows how to pronounce his last name.

But after more than 31 years around the steel mill, John Wieczor is due to retire this summer.

Today, the long-time member of USWA Local 2251 threw his hat into the ring to run for City Council in Ward 2.

"When I get involved with something, I jump in with both feet," Wieczor tells SooToday.com.

"Everything I get into, I end up being a leader."

Trumpeting his qualifications

Wieczor worked at the wide flange mill until it closed in 1999.

He served as 2251's recording secretary when the local was considerably larger than it is today, and held numerous other positions within the Steelworkers.

When he joined the Royal Canadian Legion Trumpet Band, he ended up as band manager.

Tourism, jobs for youth

Tourism and opportunities for youth are expected to be major planks in Little John's campaign platform.

"I think we have to do something with our natural resoources. We have exploit that. I don't think we're doing enough to bring tourists here," he says.

"I have three kids going to university. There's really nothing for them to come back after."

Ward 2 is currently represented by Brady Irwin and Jody Curran.

Neither of the incumbents have filed nomination papers so far, although they have until 5 p.m. on September 26 to do so.

The election is on November 10.

**************************************************************** LIST OF NOMINATIONS TO DATE

Mayor Peter Vaudry

Councillor - Ward 1 (elect two) James Caicco

Paul Christian

Councillor - Ward 2 (elect two) John Wieczor

Councillor - Ward 3 (elect two) Kelly Marshall

Councillor - Ward 4 (elect two) There are currently no nominations

Councillor - Ward 5 (elect two) David Celetti

Councillor - Ward 6 (elect two)

Frank J. Manzo Sr.

Ron Schinners

P.J. Mizzi

Andre Trahan Trustee - Algoma District School Board - Ward 1 (elect one) There are currently no nominations Trustee - Algoma District School Board - Ward 2 (elect one) There are currently no nominations

Trustee - Algoma District School Board - Ward 3 (elect one) Karen Morin

Trustee - Algoma District School Board - Ward 4 and 5 (elect one) There are currently no nominations

Trustee - Algoma District School Board - Ward 6 (elect one) Wanda Lee McQueen

Trustee - Algoma District School Board - Prince Township/Unorganized townships (elect one) There are currently no nominations

Trustee - Huron-Superior Catholic District School Board (elect 6 at large) Terry Sheehan

Trustee - Le Conseil Scolaire De District Catholique Du Nouvel Ontario (elect one) There are currently no nominations

Trustee - Le Conseil Scolaire De District Du Grand Nord De L'Ontario (elect one) There are currently no nominations


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David Helwig

About the Author: David Helwig

David Helwig's journalism career spans seven decades beginning in the 1960s. His work has been recognized with national and international awards.
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