Re: "All I had to do was provide the leadership" - Denis St. Pierre - November 27, 2007

To the editor of the Sudbury Star,

Mayor John Rodriguez accomplishments during first year in office, as recounted by Denis St. Pierre, are impressive. The city auditor, the fair wage policy, resolving the fire chief situation and other issues which seemed to stymie past leadership were handled successfully. And there are great plans for the future with the performing arts centre and recreation complex. The article even mentions acknowledged shortcomings in the areas of homelessness and the province sharing mining taxes.

But what is missing in this review? What was one of the biggest complaints of Sudburians leading up to the last election? How about the roads? We saw a municipal tax increase to improve our roads and received record senior level funding last year and, notwithstanding some major projects on the MR 55 East four-laning, Lasalle Blvd west of Notre Dame and a few other spots, the general condition of the roads hasn't improved. Paris Street from Walford to downtown, the major avenue tourists see entering the city, is brutal. The east end of Lasalle Blvd continues to fall apart. MR 80 through McCrae Heights is a challenge. I could go on and on about major roads that haven't been improved, but those of us driving in this city know what they are. Four of them even made the Ten Worst Roads in Ontario list last year.

I was disappointed with the lack of improvement in the roads. I was surprised to find how little information on road rehabilitation exists on the otherwise informative city website. I am concerned that all I hear of for future work is reference to more major projects with curbs, extra lanes and other fancy features that cover very few kilometers. How about just grinding and relaying some of the asphalt before there isn't any left? Is there a schedule for getting this done? I can't find one.

Until I see some results on this longstanding issue, I can't see committing any support to the arts or recreation projects. What good are 21st century facilities if you can only get to them on 19th century roads?