Throughout this campaign, I’ve met with thousands of people. One of the first questions that I am consistently asked is, “Suzanne, why did you decide to run?”
The truth is, it’s a natural fit for me. I’ve already helped to bring funding, resources, and jobs to our city.
As the chair of the Ontario Trillium Foundation Grant Review Team for the Algoma, Cochrane, Timmins, Sudbury and Manitoulin Region and through my experience with FedNor, I have seen first hand the important impact that can be made by a little bit of government support. Unfortunately, after ten years of broken promises, the Liberal government is failing us.
And, when I saw all the games, backroom deals, and cynical politics being played by the Liberals, it became clear to me that they were more concerned with the Liberal Party than the people of Sudbury.
I decided to run because I know that Sudbury deserves better.
I have never turned my back or walked away from my commitments. I have never been interested in a shortcut to power and I have never pushed others aside to get ahead.
I’m proud to be empowered by commitment, principle, and integrity and I’m proud of the years I’ve spent working in Sudbury to build our community and help support others who have the ideas, strategies, and dedication to make our great city greater.
While Sudbury is known for the resources that are underground, I believe our true strength lies not just there but in our above-ground resources - our people. As the owner of a small business and in my work with TEDxNickel City, YouthInnovation, and the local film and television industry, as well as in my role on the board of Cambrian College, I have seen the creativity and talent we have in Sudbury.
Like you, I work hard and play by the rules. I know what it's like to struggle, to live paycheque to paycheque, and to pound the pavement, trying to find work. I know what it’s like to watch the hydro bills go up while we worry about putting food on the table. I’ve watched as life has become more and more expensive while more and more of the people in this city have been left behind.
Last year, our family had some trouble with our furnace and the heating company refused to help. I went the Sudbury MP’s office (he was also supposed to be responsible for consumer protection) and, instead of helping, he just quit.
Over twenty thousand people voted for him, hundreds of people volunteered and worked for him, we all relied on him to be our representative, our advocate, and our voice; but he let us down.
Now he’s aligned himself with the Toronto Liberals who brought their scandals to Sudbury.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We don’t have to let them continue to take us for granted.
Together, we can do better. We can make sure Sudbury’s voice is heard.
That’s my commitment to you and I look forward to earning your support.
