Henry Wojak’s bid to become Thunder Bay’s mayor came face-to-face with its first big hurdle. The aspiring mayoral candidate, who is currently banned from city hall, and is part of the reason why he was unable to file his papers Monday.

Henry Wojak’s bid to become Thunder Bay’s mayor came face-to-face with its first big hurdle.

The aspiring mayoral candidate, who is currently banned from city hall, and is part of the reason why he was unable to file his papers Monday.

Wojak was served a trespass notice last month due to abusive and constant emails according to city administration. Standing on the sidewalk outside of city hall Monday, Wojak said he wants to bring integrity back to public office.

"There is no transparency or accountability in our politicians today in my eyes," he said.

Thinking all of the paperwork was in order, Wojak's wife, Valerie Wojak, acted as agent and brought them to the city clerk's office to be filed. But city clerk John Hannam said Wojak's paperwork needs to be commissioned by a lawyer or justice of the peace to be valid.

While Hannam could could have done that work himself, he would have needed to meet with Wojak outside of city hall.

"I don't conduct my office on the sidewalk," Hannam said when asked.

Wojak said the trespass notice can be extended at any time. He said it's difficult because there's no way to appeal the decision.

"I'm at the mercy of the city manager," he said. "It's silly but they'll do anything not to let me speak."

A regular deputant at city council meetings, Wojak said he's attended ward meetings and written letters to the editor for years. Now he feels running for mayor is the best way to get his message across.

One of the key points in his campaign will be on what Wojak calls a need for the city to start controlling its budget. He also wants the public to decide through a plebiscite whether Thunder Bay needs a new events centre.