Bay Street narrowing, daycare among audience's concerns at Ward 2 forum

The Centennial Branch of the Sault Ste. Marie Public Library was the site of a ‘Meet and Greet’ for the 9 Ward 2 candidates. Between 15 and 20 people attended the event on Monday night, where they had the opportunity to ask questions the candidates questions about their election platforms. Mary Jane was one of those people that showed up for the question and answer session. She hopes the successful candidate will avoid spending taxpayer dollars to narrow Bay Street from four lanes to three…

The candidates presented a variety of issues in their platforms. One example came from three-time former Ward 2 representative Jody Curran, who spoke of using two former city councillors — David Orazietti and Terry Sheehan — in the senior levels of government to the city’s advantage. Challenger Sandra Hollingworth discussed the idea of short and long term plans to address the Sault’s economic challenges and gauging additional support for various-sized businesses in the city. Another person in attendance was Diane, who expressed concern about an issue that affects everyone — where exactly should taxpayers’ dollars be spent…

She was one of a few people who has specific concerns about the issues of the narrowing of Bay Street and the city’s involvement in providing daycare. Those subjects were mentioned briefly at last night’s forum, but there were other ideas mentioned. Candidate Andy Martens talked about changing the city’s mindset in increasing the industrial tax base. He stressed a desire to go back to the way the late John Rowswell worked to attract business 10 to 15 years ago. Rowswell was known for his efforts in making Sault Ste. Marie a ‘multi-modal’ hub. Diane was also specific when it came to other issues that are the most important to her…

One of the challengers for the seat vacated by Terry Sheehan is Susan Milne, a longtime community supporter and volunteer. She told the audience that it is difficult to select any issue that is the biggest priority for the ward and the city. Instead, Milne feels all of the important subjects like employment, education, housing and child care are all intertwined with one another and that they should be looked at as ‘an entire package’.