Home > Sudbury News

Gasparini questions Rodriguez's stance on homelessness

Comment on this story by clicking here.

Article Tools

Subscribe to Sudbury Today

Report a typo

Contact the Editor

Bookmark and Share
Nov 08, 2006

By:

Ward 11 candidate Janet Gasparini says she was “shocked” to hear mayoral candidate John Rodriguez announce no one would be homeless if he were mayor of Greater Sudbury.

Gasparini is the executive director of the Social Planning Council of Sudbury, and has worked on the issue of homelessness for many years. She has been one of the current councillors for Ward 6 for the past three years.

“Homelessness is a growing national crisis that has troubled cities right across this country,” said Gasparini, in a release.

“There are many complex issues at stake not the least of which involves social policy that keeps poor people poor and ensures they don't have enough money to pay rent.”

It is irresponsible for Rodriguez to tell voters he will end homelessness by going arm in arm with Bartolucci and Martel to Toronto, she said.

“If that was all the issue was going to take, does Rodriguez not think that many of us would have done it already?”

Gasparini can be reached at 524-8825, 566-9564 or gasparjg@cyberbeach.net.

Reader's Feedback

Editor’s Note:

NorthernLife.ca may contain content submitted by readers, usually in the form of article comments or postings to myNews. All reader comments and any opinions, advice, statements or other information contained in any messages posted or transmitted by any third party are the responsibility of the author of that message and not of NorthernLife.ca. The fact that a particular message is posted on or transmitted using this web site does not mean that NorthernLife.ca has endorsed that message in any way or verified the accuracy, completeness or usefulness of any message. We encourage visitors to NorthernLife.ca to report any objectionable content by using the "report abuse" link found in the comments section of this web site.

27 Comments

  • stop and think 11/25/2006 1:03:51 PM - Report Abuse

    Stop and think! Arguing about the homeless will get us nowhere. Each individual should contribute in ANY way they can to help these souls.

  • Jack 11/11/2006 8:10:51 PM - Report Abuse

    There's no doubt in my mind that, when it comes to a substantive discussion of homelessness - in Sudbury or nationally - Gasparini knows of what she speaks. The Social Planning Council has engaged in some very cutting-edge research on this issue. …more» However, for her to be "shocked" by John Rodriguez's election promise to eliminate homelessness in Sudbury and to call that element of his platform 'irresponsible' must be seen for what it is: partisan politics. For, she's made no secret of her wish for David Courtemanche's re-election. «less

  • Relief 11/10/2006 7:48:37 AM - Report Abuse

    Thank you Ms. Gasperini for having the guts to right a wrong. I never thought I'd see the day that I would be writing a comment in a newspaper. Where are the other councillors? Hiding their head in the sand, shame on you not to have taken a stand. As for …more» you people who have written and spewed your garbage in the papers and during the debates. You have shown yourselves as the radical red necks that have given Sudbury it's black eye. I for one am trying to show my childen that without people like you we could one day hold our heads up and show this province we are not what they perceive us to be. Go back to school and learn how not to be an ignorant shameful citizen. Again thank you Janet, you have my vote and I would hope that your constituents in Ward 11 do the same.«less

  • Victor Newman 11/9/2006 4:59:57 PM - Report Abuse

    I just had a funny thought....Im picturing Martel,Rodriguez and Bartolucci arm and arm and the thought of the Wizard of Oz popped into my head....staring Bartolucci as the Tin Man,Martel as the Cowardly Lion and Rodriguez as the Scarecrow saying I wish i …more» had a brain!«less

  • Bob 11/9/2006 4:12:43 PM - Report Abuse

    Irresponsible my left foot for John Rodriquez to go arm and arm to the senior arms of provincial and federal politics.That's where part of the solution lies!!! Janet--wake up!!! The man has a vision and a plan to go along with it. At least give him the …more» courtesy of acknowledging the fact that he is concerned. Details follow vision!!! With all your social activism?? why haven't the taxpayers been kept in the loop via news letters What have you accomplished with this " growing national problem"(your words) We've heard nothing other than the odd blurb from you but we now see you coming out swinging and are "shocked" by someone else's plan of action. Shame on you Janet. This kind of tactic is nothing more than a cheap political shot. It won't wash with the taxpayers. Nice try!!!!!«less

  • MJ 11/9/2006 4:09:05 PM - Report Abuse

    this man is nuts, re-elect mayor dave! he will be laughing if this lunatic gets in.

  • you go Janet! 11/9/2006 2:26:10 PM - Report Abuse

    Janet you're absolutely right - Mr. Rodg.(whatever) has no idea on how to stop homelessness. Its not as easy as just saying it. The Social Planning Council with Janet as the ED are dedicated to trying to find strategies and ways of ending homelessness …more» issues. If it was easy it would have been done by now. Janet keep up the great work!!«less

  • Good Job Janet! 11/9/2006 2:21:43 PM - Report Abuse

    I was waiting for this to be said! It is pathetic that some people actually believe or commend this man for making these promises regarding Sudbury's homeless. WAKE UP SUDBURY AND SMELL THE LIES!

  • Mac 11/9/2006 2:20:55 PM - Report Abuse

    Agree or disagree with Ms. Gasparini, but there are a disturbing number of people who seem to think homelessness is her fault! Goodness people, read the article. It is a national problem that defies easy explanations, and that is her point. It is unfair …more» to expect her or anybody else to "solve" the problem quickly - it takes long term planning. When Rodriguez announced his plan to run I, like many, had high hopes. The more he talks, and the more I listen, the less I like what I'm hearing. Unfortunately, it is becoming more and more clear that everything he learned, he learned in opposition - it is easy to criticize and make promises when you never really expect to have to live up to them. This time though, there will be real accountability. One the one hand, wild promises. On the other end, it's hire consultants and then do whatever you wanted to do in the first place. Lynn Reynolds is looking better everyday. I hope the polls are wrong, because Rodriguez by a landslide is starting to sound like a "real" disaster.«less

  • sam 11/9/2006 2:18:18 PM - Report Abuse

    Many people in this city clearly do not understand the issue of homelessness. Rodriquez is making this ridiculous promise to win votes and it is obviously working. Get a brain people and wake up - homelessness is a HUGE problem in this city and will …more» continue to be with attitudes like this. Homelessness can not just be cleared up overnight, it is were that simple it would be done already. Ms. Gasparini knows firsthand the statistics and she has done a lot for this city to try to improve the situation. Ending homelessness does not mean just sticking people in shelters - it is way deeper than that and Janet is well aware of that. She has done more than anyone on council for this issue! Some of you people really need to do some RESEARCH and get your facts straight.«less

  • Norm 11/9/2006 1:31:02 PM - Report Abuse

    John Rodriguez announced no one would be homeless if he was mayor and didn’t John announce a few weeks ago, he would have the city snow plows lift there blade at each Driveway? It would be great, but sadly I must think it’s just another politicians …more» false promises. At the beginning of the campaign I was leaning towards John, I now know for sure, I’m voting for Dave!«less

  • What a joke! 11/9/2006 9:51:39 AM - Report Abuse

    I can't believe another councillor has not written this sooner. I for one would be TERRIFIED of the thought of having to work with this man and all of his empty promises. Thank you Janet, I hope this is a wake up call to Greater Sudbury.

  • Vagrant Bob 11/9/2006 9:29:18 AM - Report Abuse

    Haven't you guys heard the news? Rodriguez is going to open his mansion to all the homeless people. I'm going, but am gonna stay away from the kool-aid. Read between the lines when he says there will be NO MORE homeless people in Sudbury if he's elected.

  • Jason 11/9/2006 8:25:29 AM - Report Abuse

    Personally, I think people are focusing on the wrong things. Every candidate is mentioning things everyone knows will not be accomplishable. Atleast they have good visions. :P

  • Brad Nailer 11/9/2006 7:47:04 AM - Report Abuse

    Gasparini is part of plenty social activist groups. We all know where her agendas lie. And we know that she always has her coalitions in mind. To draw attention to her causes and generate funds for her own groups. Gasparini wont tell you is where these …more» "homeless" people go in the winter. They seem to disappear when the warm weather fades. The homless problem in Sudubyr is a manufactured crisis brought on by various social groups that want to secure more funding for their political groups. The homless folk here are mostly transient in nature. The others chose to be on the streets. Then blend into shelters, rooming houses, and shared accomidations when poor weather appears. Sorry Janet. Your political games are clear. And you get upset when someone begins to claim a share in the reveue pie that you cherish for various organizations.«less

  • remember when 11/9/2006 1:12:59 AM - Report Abuse

    Remember what happened the last time an NDP-er ran anything....they screwed up Ontario for years.... complaining is far different than resolving issues.

  • Jamall 11/9/2006 12:12:37 AM - Report Abuse

    I will not vote for him, because he is a bum.

  • Harry 11/8/2006 11:29:37 PM - Report Abuse

    Rodriguez, Bartolucci and Martel together arm in arm. What a nightmare!! And this man wants to be mayor. God help us.

  • Peter 11/8/2006 10:44:09 PM - Report Abuse

    Wow, Mr.Rodriguez!! Could`nt you help the homeless find homes even if you were not the mayor?

  • Mick 11/8/2006 10:40:22 PM - Report Abuse

    What planet does this man come from? Does he think Sudburians are all idots? Progress not perfection!!!!! That's how we get to the root of societal issues. Anything that is too good to be true, probably isn't...!!!!

  • mel 11/8/2006 8:04:06 PM - Report Abuse

    Thanks to Janet Gasparini who has put this issue into perspective for people who do not fully understand homelessness. Giving people a place to live will not end homelessness. It also includes income, education, social networkes, etc. There are many …more» facets that need to be addressed to end homelessness and housing is only one them.«less

  • ron 11/8/2006 6:30:38 PM - Report Abuse

    Gasparini is the execative derector of the social planning!How cum if shes so smart we have homeles people on sudbury streets?

  • Take A Stand Janet 11/8/2006 6:23:50 PM - Report Abuse

    What's your solution Janet? Oh right, you don't have one, just like the rest of council. Keep commenting on other people but until you take a stand like they do, you are not to be taken seriously.

  • TS 11/8/2006 5:02:12 PM - Report Abuse

    THANK YOU JANET :-) It's about time this issue was put into perspective from a source who 'understands' the issue. Nice try John - I think most of us are keen enough to figure out it takes more than 'desire' to solve this one.

  • bpv 11/8/2006 4:45:47 PM - Report Abuse

    I will vote for Rodriguez ONLY if he agrees to a re-call clause that will allow the electorate to oust him when all of his absurd promises are not kept. Give us a break John, do you think if we could of eliminated the homeless problem we would have done …more» it by now, instead of waiting for you. YIKES!«less

  • Fed up in Sudbury 11/8/2006 3:46:36 PM - Report Abuse

    Iam glad that this statement by Mr Rodriguez was brought up....do we really want a man who would make such an idiotic promise to get elected? I would love to see no homeless people...I would also love to feed the poor cure cancer and make the blind …more» see......do I think Mr Rodriguez can deliver on this promise? Nope....do you Sudbury?«less

  • What Have You Done About It? 11/8/2006 2:39:55 PM - Report Abuse

    And what has Gasparini, Courtemanche, Reynolds and the rest of the current council done to help the homeless? That's what I thought, nothing and in fact, they haven't even taken a stance on it. It might not be able to be done under anyone's watch but at …more» least someone has finally taken a stance on it.«less

NorthernLife.ca Top 10