Greater Sudbury mayoral candidate Patricia Mills says it's “time to stop the madness in spending and get back to ensuring we do the basics like roads and water, and investments in the future in a manner that we can afford.”
She criticizes how the Kingsway Entertainment District and the Junction — the shared arts facility — started out as grassroots projects, but the vision has substantially changed and become more expensive.
“Originally envisioned as a private-public partnership, the Kingsway Entertainment District is now arbitrarily being fully-funded by the city through borrowing. The community was not given the opportunity to consider other financing options being proposed,” she said in an open letter.
“The Junction does not even closely resemble the recommendation of a group of volunteer citizens who have worked for many years to create a unique performing arts and convention vision. That was again a top-down decision.
“As Mayor, I would not act without consultation, disregard the hard work and ideas of our citizens, and move forward with an alternate agenda.
“Instead, I would look more closely at private-public partnerships, rather than arbitrarily deciding to borrow $300 million on the backs of taxpayers to go it alone. I will not commit our taxpayers to a legacy of debt.”
Following is the full text of Mills' release:
Mills Says Time to Stop the Madness in Spending
Need to Get Back to Basics of Fixing Roads and Water
Sudbury — Mayoral candidate Patricia Mills says people have real concerns with how city hall is being led by the current Mayor. Mills says people are telling her they want change.
Here is an Open Letter to the Community from Patricia Mills:
From the start of this Mayoral campaign, I have said that the main issues are leadership and transparency. Since the last election, our city has embarked on a series of “big projects”.
These projects were brought forward by dynamic, energetic and committed people from within our community. In each case, the Mayor has stepped in to reshape that vision to his own liking and to the detriment of the community.
Originally envisioned as a private-public partnership, the Kingsway Entertainment District is now arbitrarily being fully-funded by the city through borrowing. The community was not given the opportunity to consider other financing options being proposed.
The Junction does not even closely resemble the recommendation of a group of volunteer citizens who have worked for many years to create a unique performing arts and convention vision. That was again a top-down decision.
As Mayor, I would not act without consultation, disregard the hard work and ideas of our citizens, and move forward with an alternate agenda. Instead, I would look more closely at private-public partnerships, rather than arbitrarily deciding to borrow $300 million on the backs of taxpayers to go it alone. I will not commit our taxpayers to a legacy of debt.
It’s time to stop the madness in spending and get back to ensuring we do the basics like roads and water, and investments in the future in a manner that we can afford.
Our infrastructure deficit is large and looming. Yet, we need to hold the line on taxes. This will require good working relationships with senior levels of government and a planned and methodical approach to restoring our basic infrastructure.
We need to redouble our efforts in economic development in a manner that is open to, encourages and nurtures new ideas, entrepreneurs and existing businesses to invest, employ, grow, and thrive. This will be accomplished by giving our dedicated economic development professionals along with motivated and leading citizens the autonomy and freedom to seek new opportunities.
And we need to leverage our beautiful community, our educational, medical and recreational assets to attract the skilled workforce that is so necessary for our businesses to compete.
In summary, I would make it a priority to listen and consult in an open and honest manner with the people of Greater Sudbury and work with our communities to establish our priorities for spending and investments.
As Mayor I promise to fulfill my ROI: Respect for tax dollars and citizen wishes; Openness in leadership and communication; and the Integrity to report back progress or lack thereof as we move forward.
Learn more about Mills' candidacy by visiting her election page on Sudbury.com.
