The president of the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Association (OECTA) elementary unit in Sudbury has signed up to be a candidate in Ward 5 in Greater Sudbury's next municipal election.
Kent MacNeill joins three other candidates in the ward: Joseph Berthelot, Robert Kirwan, John Lundrigan. Interestingly, Robert Kirwan also has a connection to education – he's a trustee with the Rainbow District School Board.
MacNeill has served as president of the union, which serves roughly 400 elementary and occasional teachers, since 2005. He has also served on various committees at the OECTA provincial level.
He said in a press release that he also served on municipal council in Manitouwadge, Ont. 20 years ago.
“I am looking forward to serving the public in this capacity again,” he said.
MacNeill said Greater Sudbury needs a more “collaborative” council.
“The current one seems fractious and unable to move forward on many issues,” he said.
The citizens of Sudbury deserve a team of councillors who are able to work together for the betterment of all areas of the city.”
Some areas of concern for MacNeill are the continuously increasing taxes that far outpace the rate of inflation; the need to improve infrastructure; providing programs to assist seniors who wish to remain in their homes; improving the availability of housing for all people; and improving financial oversight of the council.
“Judging by the nominations filed so far, it looks like several people are taking a more active role in municipal politics,” he said.
“It is my sincere hope that the citizens of Sudbury will engage the candidates in this election and come out to vote. We all have our part to play in this city.”
