Election reflection

John Rodriguez lost the mayoral race to Marianne Matichuk by 5,000 votes Oct. 25. Rodriguez, who served as the NDP MP in Nickel Belt from 1972 to 1980 and 1984 to 1993, and was elected the mayor of Greater Sudbury in 2006, was endorsed by the Sudbury and District Labour Council for his second bid for the mayor’s seat.

When speaking to reporters after his defeat, Rodriguez said he has been blamed for everything from the “gout” to issues such as the Elton John ticket scandal, the sale of St. Joseph’s Hospital and the failure of the legacy projects.

He said the election results indicate citizens aren’t satisfied with the work done by council over the last four years.

Rodriguez is seen here at his election party at the Radisson Hotel with John Filo, a former federal NDP candidate, local union leader and Cambrian College instructor.