Why did you decide to run for council?
I'm running because I believe I can make a difference. Politicians can't fix everything, but you need to be accountable for your actions, make better decisions for the next generation. Use common sense, listen to and respect each other, look at the bigger picture and move forward.
What innovative projects would enhance life in your community?
Taking care of the smaller problems that fall through the cracks because people think they’re unimportant. Small problems can be just as important as big problems. For instance, seniors want to be recognized and involved, not forgotten. They still have a lot to teach us. Add a third lane to the road between Azilda and Chelmsford that could be switched in direction of flow depending on the time of day to allow for better flow of commuter traffic. This should be more economical than full fledged four-laning.
If you received a $1 million grant to use for your city any way you wanted, what would you do with it?
I’d like to be able to get genuinely fun activities going at our playgrounds that would bring kids, and families, together. I remember when I was a kid we had “supeys” (supervisors) at the parks who were volunteer or minimum wage people or high school students who were interested in helping the kids with fun activities. It seems that kids aren’t allowed to have unorganized fun anymore. Let them get together and paint or draw, or build simple things like toys. Play a game of baseball or soccer, and skate or slide in the winter, without the burden of a long list of rules or organized teams. You could even have evening activities with campfires and weeny or marshmallow roasts. This could build community and keep people entertained while they got to know and respect each other.
What do you think are the greatest challenges your city faces?
Making the hospital run more efficiently. We used to have three hospitals in Sudbury and they all seemed to run fine. Now we have one and it always seems to be in chaos. With all the research that’s apparently going on at the hospital, you still hear about so many people being sent out of town for treatment.
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?
Well first of all, citizens need, and want, to be involved. I enjoy listening to good ideas. Invite them to the ward meetings that would happen once a month.
What is your favourite thing to do in your city?
Spending time with my family is one of my favorite things to do. Enjoying the lakes and the forests.
What do you cherish most about your community?
I guess when I was growing-up in the Donovan, I spent most of my time with my dog at the waterfalls in the hills near my home. I’ve made sure my kids had the chance to experience them before they're destroyed and gone.
Where can people find you?
sjscott412@gmail.com or @ScottStormy
