Ward 11 candidate Bill Leduc is running in one of the more hotly contested wards in the upcoming municipal election.
The ward will be the location for the Kingsway Entertainment District, which Leduc has openly spoken in support of. Ward 11 will have a new representative on council come Oct. 22, as Lynne Reynolds will not be seeking re-election.
Leduc sent out a news release this week, answering seven key questions about his campaign, his ward, and himself.
Why are you running in the upcoming election?
I am passionate about our Sudbury community and I vow to be a strong advocate for innovative development. I have two children and three grandchildren looking towards a stable economic future right here at home, in Sudbury. I have learned from close family, whom have been in the political arena for some time, that one voice can make a difference. I am hoping to be apart of that difference.
In your opinion, what are some of the most pressing issues?
The number one issue is our roads throughout the city. We must come up with a better solution as what is currently taking place is not working.
Secondly, we must encourage economic growth to create employment and to increase our tax base to better sustain our services. Furthermore, we must look at more affordable housing alternatives for both our seniors and our future generations.
Lastly, while not directly related to my ward per say is the issue with discarded needles throughout Sudbury and more specifically in the downtown core. This posses as a serious risk to our residents and council needs to determine a plan of action.
What is an acceptable tax increase?
Tax increases are inevitable and go hand in hand with the increases we have been seeing across the board. As a community, we need to be mindful that we do not want to lose any of our previously afforded services and in order for Sudbury to expand, tax increases are unavoidable. However, I do believe that council must be cognizant that our residents cannot afford any significant hikes to their municipal taxes.
Talk about your ward and the priorities in your area.
Ward 11 is a beautiful community with wonderful residents. I have been fortunate enough, that through campaigning, I have had the opportunity to meet many of these residents firsthand and listen to them express what it is they believe our community could benefit from.
Many of the constituents residing in Ward 11 have expressed their concerns regarding high volumes of traffic and the speed in which these vehicles are travelling. These are residential neighbourhoods with many school aged children and there is an united consensus for decreased posted speed limits, increased amount of crosswalks including those with flashing caution lights and stop signs. Further, constituents would like to see improved lighting at the Minnow Lake skate park.
I have also heard numerous residents speak of their desire for more walking trails and sidewalks throughout our district of Ward 11. During discussions, residents have brought forward their ideas regarding park benches throughout these trails to allow those who enjoy the outdoors a chance to take a break while on their journey.
Ward 11 also has many growing families who enjoy spending time at our community parks with their children. Families have communicated their interest in revitalizing our existing playgrounds with some new equipment and the possibility of a new splash pad. As a community, we want to encourage more outdoor imaginative play to help stimulate the growing minds of our future residents.
Furthermore, I would like to see an increased use in our community centres. My vision is an area where our seniors and youth can share and engage in meaningful relationship building through fun and games such as cards, painting, crafts, sewing, exercise, community gardening and bringing back our neighbourhood carnivals.
Lastly, we cannot forget that ward 11 will be home to the new Kingsway Casino and Event District. I cannot express enough how excited I am for this new development to occur. The KED are not only expected to generate revenue dollars for the city of Sudbury, but it will also create many new long standing employment opportunities for our Sudbury residents.
How do you like to spend your downtime?
At my summer retreat with family and friends. We like to spend our time out on the lake enjoying the scenery and finding new beaches for the grandchildren to enjoy.
Tell us about someone who has inspired you in your life.
My main inspiration comes from my older brother; having watched him succeeded and maintain his position as council and then deputy mayor through his perseverance and strong moral ethics. I have had the opportunity to work alongside him, assisting with his campaigning and have had the opportunity to gain valuable insight and knowledge when it comes to growing economies and communities.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I want to thank the constituents of ward 11 for taking their time to meet with me to discuss their concerns with respect to our community. If any of the residents of ward 11 have noted my door pamphlet, and would like to meet with me to discuss their future plans for Sudbury or simply know more about my campaign, I can be reached at BillLeduc.ca
