He won’t just be vocal during the campaign, says Ward 11 candidate Kevin Lalonde. If he’s elected, he’ll bring his outspoken attitude to Tom Davies Square, too, he said in what he described as his “final thoughts” before Election Day on Oct. 22.
Pointing out Ward 11 is one of two city wards with no incumbent running, Lalonde said the ward needs a councillor who is not afraid to speak his mind and not afraid to fight for the ward’s needs.
“If elected you can be rest assured an outspoken voice at council meetings expressing Ward 11 concerns won't be silent,” Lalonde said. “It's just not in me to be silent for too long. An outspoken Ward 11 representative would be noticed again, and that means the concerns of constituents will not go unnoticed.”
He also touched on his support for the Kingsway Entertainment District project, reiterating why he supports it.
The full text of Lalonde’s release appears below.
Ward 11 is in the situation of being of only two wards that doesn’t have an incumbent running.
For those constituents, they don't have the opportunity of examining a track record of anyone applying for the job, so their decision may be a little harder.
I entered this race because I felt I was the best suited to lead Ward 11 concerns to city council. Being outspoken I believe is the key. If you as a candidate are not vocal during the election on issues of city or ward then will that candidate also be silent and absent for the four years if they get elected?
As a candidate, it's easy to say I am for this or that, but when you can't explain why and describe what you actually want to do then it's called sitting on your hands and having no substance. Know that I will be just as vocal in representing your concerns. When constituents have concerns that are sent to me, be assured they will make their way to council and not die in an unanswered email or phone call.
My stance on the KED is clear. I am not just going to say I am for it and then walk away and hope you vote for me. I have explained many times and have been the most vocal in support for this project. From bringing our trade workers back to this city to work, probably 700 mostly union construction jobs over two years and for obtaining 350-400 new permanent union jobs.
This is how you start an economic engine. Alone these 350 permanent jobs could mean spouses and the 2.2 children in population growth with every job created. This spinoff could directly see an increase in the housing industry.
Politically, I understand the response from candidates to say I am for or against and then walk away and be silent. You don't upset the apple cart too much that way. Personally, I favour a more decisive approach when it comes to the KED. I want to turn the keys to this economic engine and run over the apple cart and drive this home until it's done. I don't want to stay quiet, and I sure don't want to explore it as a P3 possibility, not two years later. Doing so now would squash the project.
If elected you can be rest assured an outspoken voice at council meetings expressing Ward 11 concerns won't be silent. It's just not in me to be silent for too long. An outspoken Ward 11 representative would be noticed again, and that means the concerns of constituents will not go unnoticed.
Lots of other issues facing this city and if you have been following my Facebook or have received my platform card in your mailbox, you can see for yourself if my concerns match yours.
Hopefully, I get the last of my cards out this weekend.
I have had a great experience this election, met a lot of interesting people, had a lot of fun and appreciate all the support received from so many. Learned a lot, like be careful where you put your signs because you get bylaw complaints. I hate signs, but I did have fun decorating the KED site with them, not just barren rock anymore.
Most of the candidates for Ward 11 are great people that I respect, if not just for having the courage and the sense of community service to put their name on the ballot this year.
My hope is that on Oct. 23, I can send my next opinion letter to Sudbury.com titled "Lets do this!!"
Learn more about Kevin Lalonde’s campaign by visiting his election page on Sudbury.com.
