“We will open the doors of city hall,” he said. “I will make things happen as your mayor. On that, I give my word … Sudbury will never be the same.”
While promising to roll out details of his platform on a regular basis in the 30 weeks leading up to the municipal election Oct. 27, Dupuis said taking an active role in the Ring of Fire would be a major priority.
“I will take vital and active role,” he said, in ensuring the city gets the maximum economic benefit from the massive chromite discovery in northwestern Ontario.
He also mentioned the controversial store hours debate in the city. While Dupuis has consistently opposed deregulating store hours, he was also the mover of the motion to put the issue to a referendum, promising to respect the results.
“We will have a different style of leadership,” he said, if he becomes mayor.
Supporters in the crowd crossed party and political lines, and included Sudbury Progressive Conservative candidate Paula Peroni and Nickel Belt Liberal candidate James Tregonning. The only councillor in attendance was Ward 3 Coun. Claude Berthiaume, although council candidates Hannu Piironen (Ward 10), Tay Butt (Ward 12) and Mike Bleskie (Ward 11) were on hand. There were also members of the business community and Derik McArthur, director of the United Food and Commercial Workers union Local 175 and 633.
“Ron is a leader in our community,” McArthur said in his remarks, adding that he “fully endorses” his candidacy for mayor.
Dupuis is always available, he said, and is open to new ideas. While they don't always agree on the issues, McArthur said Dupuis is always “just a phone call away.
“Ron is always there to listen.”
Born in Noelville, Dupuis grew up in the Flour Mill, according to notes given to the media ahead of the news conference. He's active in the Catholic church, and is a member of the Knights of Columbus in Blezard Valley. He's an active supporter of the food bank, and has been involved in sports on many levels.
He was first elected to council in 1997 in Valley East, and was elected to the new City of Greater Sudbury council in 2000. He was deputy mayor for seven years and has chaired several major committees and boards, including the police services board, the health unit and the audit committee.
More detailed information is available at his campaign website, rondupuis.com.
With his announcement, Dupuis is the city's third candidate for mayor, joining newcomer Jeff Huska and perennial candidate Ed Pokonzie. Current Mayor Marianne Matichuk has yet to declare whether she'll run again, as is the case with former mayor John Rodriguez, who lost to Matichuk in 2010.
