John Rodriguez is asking Greater Sudbury voters to support him for his second term of mayor. He released his campaign platform to reporters and supporters at his campaign office Sept. 22.
But he is not including the performing arts centre and the multi use sports complex as priorities for his re-election campaign.
Rodriguez countered challenger Ted Callaghan's criticism about $430,000 spent on consulting fees for the two major civic projects. The projects were defeated by council last year but Rodriguez said the data compiled could still be used by community groups pushing for the projects. He said the two projects were not part of his election platform.
Mayor John Rodriguez released his mayoral election platform at his campaign office. He said he was proud of his record and said voters could expect more spending on roads, more support for seniors housing and more economic development achievements. Photo by Bill BradleyE
When asked about challenger Marianne Matichuk's comments about all the construction going on at once in the city and that businesses are negatively affected, Rodriguez said he has heard many business people congratulate him on the new roadwork.
“Many are delighted,” he said. “Some have contracts doing the work-bricking, asphalt, paving. So they are all very happy. ”
He said the federal provincial infrastructure program was a help in funding the projects.
“These are 33 cent dollars we are paying (for the projects),” he said. “Does anyone suggest we abandon tackling the road challenges we face? Not on your life.”
He also said, under the terms of the federal provincial infrastructure agreement that provided two thirds of the cost of the projects, the roadwork had strict time lines for completion.
“We are repairing our infrastructure which was falling apart,” he said. “We have about a $500 million deficit in infrastructure. We are tackling it. The money is available.”
Rodriguez platform highlights:
Economic development - creating new jobs and continuing economic development that includes the social and cultural sectors
- supporting mining mineral processing and mining supply and services as greatest opportunity for growth
- working with northern mayors to capitalize on the Ring of Fire project in Ontario's far north
- speeding up approval process at city hall with goal of one stop shop for developers
- restarting Innovation Sudbury as a city led forum for institutions and organizations to advance innovation in city using NORCAT, Sustainable Energy Centre and Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation as examples
- promote new green energy manufacturing
Financial accountability
- ensure recommendations of city's auditor general are implemented
- review budgets of each city department for efficiencies
- better financial tracking and reporting for fiscal sutainability
- lobby for better deal for cities who get only 8 per cent of total Canadian tax revenues but provide infrastructure to support the economy-roads, sewers and bridges
Accountability - provide annual report of challenges from each city department and each ward
- regular Mayor's newsletter
- continue mayoral visits to each ward
