Thunder Bay budget help is needed, Aldo Ruberto says

A Thunder Bay city councillor says council needs some outside help when it comes to balancing next year's budget.

During a non-business meeting this week, Aldo Ruberto said that students or businesspeople could find creative ways to raise more money for capital spending.

"Somebody from the outside might come in and say, 'you know what? Instead of increasing taxes, let's look at generating revenue. Let's look at what kind of business plans we can institute that would generate more revenue for the city," he said.

Ruberto said the current method of cutting services, or increasing taxes, doesn't work.

One example of a way to raise money would be if the city were to buy and operate the local electricity generating station, he said. That power could then be sold back to the city and grid.

Ruberto noted that city employees in the finance division are very smart, and very accounting focused, but he said he wants to capitalize on more business experience.

When asked if other councillors would be keen on his thinking, Ruberto was blunt.

"The ones that don't like it - that's tough," he said.

"I'm representing the people of Thunder Bay, trying to do the best I can. Like other councillors, I give ideas ... And so, if you want to criticize, step up and do something better, or say something better. That's my answer to criticism."