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Many of the seven Bathurst city councillors reoffering in the May 12 municipal election feel they have unfinished business left on the table.

Graham Wiseman says he has many projects he'd like to continue working on, from such establishing an RV (recreatioinal vehicle) park to help tourism, to securing funds for municipal projects.

"I also want to...lobby to get some more government funding for some more green initiatives. There's other areas of the city that want water and sewerage and I'd to see that this happen as well...I'm working on as well Highway 180 (Road to Resources)....There's also the mill. There's the city streets, too...that have to be repaired."

Coun. Hugh Comeau said he wants to stay in office to help bring people into the region through various developments such as the vacant Kent property and the waterfront. He also wants to use his experience as a former banker to help the city's finances.

"We've got to find ways to generate other revenues other than taxpayers. What I'd like to do is get one councillor responsible for each department like a (provincial government) minister is responsible for a portfolio...I also think with the way the gas prices are going, I think we're going to have to develop some type of transit system but it has to be funding other than tax increases."

Coun. Blair Doucet said he'd like to see four years of meetings and deliberations from council come to fruition. He said tourism projects such as the waterfront development is something he wants to stick around for to see through to completion.

"With the city in the direction it's going, with loss of jobs from (Smurfit) Stone and shortly...Brunswick Mines, tourism is going to become quite important to Bathurst. It would be great if we had all kinds of industry coming in but that's not going to happen immediately. You build your foundation with a beautiful town and that stuff comes.

Continued Coun. Doucet: "I think that Coronation Park within the next four years will be finalized...We will be putting drainage in this coming year...and then the upgrade of our park...and baseball fields...I'm definitely looking at hopefully something for seniors, if not Coronation but the South Park."

Coun. Pat Duffy said it's important for her to complete current projects such as the waterfront development but she has a few other ideas that need follow-up.

"One of my projects is to bring back the issue of the Parkwood Heights water pressure project...I really want to support more recycling initiatives and I want to assist with all renewal projects for downtown."

Coun. Scott Ferguson is chairman of the waterfront development committee. He said even though a majority of the waterfront has come together, there is much to be done and he wants to lead the charge.

"We still have two major components to complete...I want to see the tie-in between Youghall Beach and Daly Point. It's our tourism triangle and we want to see that through to it's finish...We set out a plan for our city infrastructure, a five to 10 year plan, and we have to see a lot of work done...including water and sewerage and finding an alternate source of water for the city."

Coun. Claire Wilt said she would like to remain on council to serve as a voice for the two main linguistic groups.

"We can't forget the harmony that exists between the two linguistic groups and how our English and French population work well together; we are a diverse community and are tolerant and accepting of everyone. That should continue and be promoted to attract newcomers, businesses or industries. "

She also sees potential for making Bathurst a retirement community, which would be one way to attract new residents.

"We have good health care services, affordable housing, a relaxed and quiet way of life, and many more assets that would make it attractive for seniors to want to relocate here."

Coun. Lise Ouellette said she wants to keep avenues open for youth and senior services if she is re-elected.

"I'm working on a project right now for seniors...and of course I always have ideas for the youth...I also want to continue to work on the waterfront development and development on Ste. Anne Street because that's a huge business development opportunity there."

Concluded Coun. Ouellette: "I'm also working with the Sustainable Development Committee and we're working on transportation action plan which is biking trails and walking trails."

The other incumbent councillor, Frank Quigg, is not reoffering.