There are nine candidates running for the two positions in Ward 3 and all were in attendance to present their positions on various issues to the more than 150 ratepayers who turned out for the meeting.

One by one, the candidates made their individual introductory statements to the audience.

“I will create a smart community and assure a smooth, cost-effective amalgamation,” stated Nicky Doyon. “I will speak your language - not the political language.”

Ron Dupuis announced that he will, “make the creation of jobs a priority. I will greet new business with open arms in order to provide a place for our young people to work.”

“I am committed to reducing taxes in Valley East by 15%,” declared Maurice Lamoureux. “I want to protect the $10 million in tax savings generated by amalgamation and make sure it goes back to the taxpayers.”

Marc Landry made his vision clear. “We must seize this chance to review our past and take advantage of the opportunities at hand to work toward a brighter future. Let’s have a City Hall that grasps at opportunity.”

“We should open the doors for businesses rather than putting up obstacles,” stated Joe Niceforo. “We must work together to make the new City work.”

Louise Portelance told the audience that she has, “had the privilege of representing you at the local and regional levels. We must develop the strengths in each municipality and I will guarantee to maintain the level of services with no tax increase.”

“A new strategic plan is needed to help us set a clear direction for the future of the entire Region,” claimed Andre Rivest. “I will continue to push for the Barrydowne extension to connect Hanmer with New Sudbury.”

Roger Trottier expressed his main concern, “Hopefully, this new government will be as close to the taxpayers as the current government. I am concerned about the issues of Ward 3, but as always I will make responsible decisions for the entire region.”

“I think the Maley Drive extension will bring industry to the Valley,” announced Len Zivny. “We have to do things for the elderly today and we have to put any tax savings back into services and repairs.”

During the evening candidates were asked to respond to three questions posed by the panel dealing with their vision of the future; how they will work as a team on the new Council; and what they will do with the $7-11 million in tax savings generated by the amalgamation.

Main issues which were raised during the evening forced the candidates to declare their feelings about:

A lot of time was spent debating whether we will actually see the savings generated through the Transition Board, in light of the fact that hundreds of millions of dollars worth of infrastructure repairs are needed over the next decade or we will face disaster with respect to basic services. It was also pointed out that we haven’t seen any money coming from the provincial government to cover the cost of amalgamation, so the savings may have to be used to cover the shortfall.