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Council race: Landry-Altmann debunks her opponent's 'latest diatribe'

Said she's unsure why Shawn Ouimet would 'ridicule' efforts of citizens he wants to represent
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Ward 12 incumbent Jocelyne Landry-Altmann has responded to a press release put out by fellow Ward 12 candidate Shawn Ouimet.

In the press release, he said Ward 12 has the highest rate of unemployment of any ward in Greater Sudbury.

“She has done many great things for the ward – cleaned up many playgrounds, added murals and worked on a board to develop a water management area for the Flour Mill, yet no new employment,” he said.

“Her first pressing issue when she was re-elected in 2014 was to bring porta-potties to cemeteries. Was this a desperate need? Ward 12 doesn’t have a cemetery in its vicinity, so was this a concern for her, her friends or the ward? 

Landry-Altmann said in a press release she would easily debunk the “latest diatribe” from Ouimet.

She said she pushed for washroom facilities at city-run cemeteries because this was a need presented to her by an elderly couple who collected a petition with 800 signatures.

“I am confused and concerned as to why a candidate seeking election as a municipal Councillor for the City of Greater Sudbury, would ridicule the efforts of the very residents that he would purport to represent?” she said.

“As for economic development, one need only drive down the main arteries of Ward 12 to see the new businesses and property improvements that have occurred throughout.”

Read the full text of Landry-Altmann's release below:

Councillor Landry-Altmann for Ward 12 responds to: Ward 12 needs jobs.
October 14th 2018

This latest diatribe from my opponent who lives in the Valley is filled with untruths which I will easily debunk.

I cannot remain silent when his desperate attempts at discrediting me include inciting derision from the sincere efforts of a senior couple from the Flour Mill who worked diligently for months to bring forward a legitimate concern.

In June of 2014 a senior couple came to me with a request for the seasonal installation of washroom facilities in all cemeteries throughout the city. 

I suggested that they follow the process and get a petition going to support  their request. They returned a few months later with a petition signed by well over 800 signatories.

The petition was presented to Council in the Fall 2014. In December, we met with staff and it was explained in detail by this aging couple why this need existed.–They as well as their friends like to visit their departed family members and friends weekly. 

Given their advanced age, the number of stops are numerous and increasing unfortunately. This ritual is not exclusive to seniors but to all family members. 

The activities include memorial services, tombstone upgrades, gardening to keep the area respectful and simply for anyone yearning to connect. The city’s cemeteries have varied locations, many in isolated areas with no services. 

Visits can be quite lengthy, given the tasks at hand or the number of stops. Having washroom facilities available was stated by the supporters as a means of extending the visits and providing safer options avoiding injury, as had occurred in the past.

This basic need was established by a very sincere couple, who followed the process, presented a petition supported by well over 800 signatures, whose goal was simply to improve the quality of life in our city.

I am confused and concerned as to why a candidate seeking election as a municipal Councillor for the City of Greater Sudbury, would ridicule the efforts of the very residents that he would purport to represent?

As for economic development, one need only drive down the main arteries of Ward 12 to see the new businesses and property improvements that have occurred throughout. 

The work of the FM BIA is evident everywhere in the area, including upgraded lighting, the commemorative clock installation in 2011, the list is very long. This fosters confidence and provides employment opportunities for all Sudburians.

I did attend the Ward areas affected by the storm-not only on July 12th 2018 but several times to ensure that residents needs were being addressed and I continue to monitor the progress. 

This disaster was well handled by our City, GSU staff and Emergency services. I personally witnessed the neighborhood rising to the occasion by providing food, drinks and a helping hand where needed thereby making it an even better place to live. Hopefully this level of devastation will never recur again.

Visit Landry-Altmann's election page on Sudbury.com here.


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