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Letter: Candidate won’t forget election experience

The journey leading to the recent City of Greater Sudbury municipal election was an experience I will never forget. When I stepped forward to announce my candidacy, I did so with the support of my wife, family and friends.
The journey leading to the recent City of Greater Sudbury municipal election was an experience I will never forget. When I stepped forward to announce my candidacy, I did so with the support of my wife, family and friends.

They knew my physical disability was not a weakness, but my strength. Most importantly, they knew I had the maturity and the experience to take on the role of councillor should I succeed.

As I was campaigning door to door, I felt privileged to listen and hear the citizens express their concerns to me. Every day, I received emails and telephone messages of encouragement.

Unfortunately, we all know the outcome. During the election evening I sent an email congratulating Robert Kirwan on his victory.

Considering the fact there were 70 candidates, three referendum questions, plus the addition of online and advance poll voting, I am left pondering why there was only a slight increase in voter turnout.

The new council will be left to seek new ways to increase voter turnout. One suggestion is to extend the online voting throughout election day.

Another suggestion is to accommodate the elderly and persons with disabilities by increasing polling stations.

I would like to thank my family, Denis, OPSEU, the Sudbury District Labour Council and all of those who contributed to my campaign by accepting election signs, donating their time, their emotional and physical support, by assisting with literature and public relations and financial donations.

I am proud to say all my election paraphernalia was purchased locally. A special thank you to the staff of Kings Sports Wear, Journal Printing and Northern Life.

Richard Larcher
Ward 5 candidate