Just because he runs a campaign without attacking others, mayoral candidate Jeff Huska says he will not hesitate to stand up for and defend his passion for the City of Greater Sudbury.
“From the day that I filed my nomination papers, I’ve tried my best to treat the others that are running in this campaign with respect and dignity,” he said in a news release. “Make no mistake, it will be the same way I will treat the staff at city hall as we begin to move this city forward.”
Huska said he promises a different type of leadership with honesty, integrity and consistency.
Full news release below:
From the day that I filed my nomination papers, I’ve tried my best to treat the others that are running in this campaign with respect and dignity.
Make no mistake, it will be the same way I will treat the staff at city hall as we begin to move this city forward.
I understand that each candidate has the city’s best interests at heart and it’s why I don’t take cheap shots, it’s not my style. However, I can and will remind all of you about some things that have been said during this campaign and ask that you please consider them if you have yet to cast your vote.
I started my campaign talking about the roads and have never wavered from it being my No. 1 priority. I’m actually the only candidate that has offered a viable solution on how to build or rebuild our roads moving forward using Super Pave. It has improved overall performance regarding three of the major issues we have with our roads by controlling rutting, low temperatures and fatigue cracking.
Regardless of how much money our current mayor throws at our roads, it’s obviously not working. During his State of The City Address at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon, he stated since 2014, the city has approved more than $300 million for its roadways, more than double the $140 million approved during the previous term. I, like many, just want to know where that $300 million was spent because it’s not reflected in the current condition of our roads.
As many of you know, I’ve never wavered or sat on the fence regarding the KED. From the onset of my campaign, I have consistently said I oppose the project and feel that the entire process was mismanaged from the start.
I remind you in late June we had a candidate that, when she originally announced her bid to run for the City’s highest seat, she was quite adamant that she really didn’t care where the arena was going to be built. Patricia Mills said she is not opposed to The Kingsway as being the location for the new proposed arena/events centre.
"We need an arena, I don't care where they build it," she said.
Regarding the casino, she went on to say the casino is a provincial matter.
"They're going to build it wherever they want to build," Mills said. "It's not a municipal problem. I know there's legal challenges against that. It's not really a municipal problem."
Not a very hard-lined stance for someone that is now so critical on how our current mayor handled everything. I reminded her back in July, zoning, roads, utilities, transit are just a few things at the municipal level that have a hand on this project. Apparently, it’s taken her 3.5 months when I said those words to finally agree with me.
At the CARP Town Hall meeting earlier this month, I sat next to a candidate that continually reminded people how four years ago Brian Bigger was steadfast against debt financing.
Dan Melanson recapped our current mayor’s 2014 election stance saying that debt financing should not be used to build roads because it would burden our grandchildren with unnecessary debt. A surprising attack by Mr. Melanson, who, for those that remember in 2014, had borrowing as part of his campaign platform to pay for our crumbling infrastructure.
At that time, he was looking at borrowing upwards of $700 million. I have no issues on questioning past promises that weren’t kept by a candidate. I just don’t understand the reasoning when Dan was going to do the same thing, but actually, borrow more.
I’m also concerned about his past election platform regarding the selling of Pioneer Manor. Is that still in the back of his mind? No one has bothered to ask him. I, however, firmly believe the city needs to invest in assisted living and long-term care facilities in the outlying communities like Capreol, Skead, Onaping and Levack. We can’t keep neglecting the needs of these people.
As I’ve said before, I’m not one to take cheap shots and verbally attack my opponents. It isn’t my style. But no one should take me for granted or mistake me for being timid. Please don’t underestimate my ability to intentionally remind people who think they may have the upper hand on me of their past promises or comments. I will always stand up for and defend my passion for this city, those in public service and the citizens they serve.
Elect Jeff Huska as your next mayor of Greater Sudbury and I can promise you a different type of leadership with honesty, integrity and consistency. I will insure that is reflected through the hard-working staff that serve you.
