Angela Caputo is running for Council in Ward 3 in Sault Ste Marie.
Angela (she/her) is a serial entrepreneur and community hype woman. In 2019, she was named Young Entrepreneur of the Year by Northern Ontario Business. In 2020 when the pandemic struck, she chaired an initiative to bring lunches to children in geared-to-income housing and was awarded by TD Canada Trust for doing so. Angela was recognized as 1 of 6 recipients across North America for the TD “Thank You” program for her commitment to her community. Her business, The Breakfast Pig, has been awarded and written about across Canada.
Why are you running for this position?
I am a woman in her prime who is ready to effect positive change for Sault Ste Marie. I want to represent the demographic of women under 40 and moms, who often go unrepresented. My goal is to inspire women who will assist one another in realizing their dreams of running for public office. I also want my daughter to know she can do anything she wants, despite society's restrictions on women.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your municipality faces?
I think that Sault Ste Marie sells itself short. We do not believe in ourselves enough, and I intend to be a leader who changes that mindset.
Other than the official ways of communicating (minutes, municipal notes), how else will you reach out to your constituents to involve them in the decision making process?
I have enjoyed canvassing so much. I plan to canvass the neighbourhoods involved in specific decisions. I would also like to hold my own Ward Meetings and invite residents to discuss issues that will affect them. I am also a big social media advocate and plan to reach all demographics through the various platforms and use that to create polls and get feedback.
What is your favourite thing to do in your municipality?
I love taking walks through our hub trail, especially in the fall. Fall in Sault Ste. Marie is absolutely stunning.
Why do you think it’s important for women to be represented in civic leadership, including on committees, boards and municipal councils?
Women run their households, plan the bill of vacations, handle much of the financial duties and have very valuable opinions. Diversifying our leadership would bring vibrancy to every facet of government.
What does a ‘feminist city’ mean to you?
Feminism is the equality of the sexes. To me, a feminist city would be a place that does not put gender first and definitely does not use gender as a barrier. Women would be heard loud and clear and have their ideas implemented, and be given credit for them.
