Christian talks about values

Monday evening, mayoral candidate Christian Provenzano hosted a meet and greet event at his newly established campaign office located at 224A Queen Street East.

While speaking to gathered supporters, Provenzano said his campaign will focus on three core values - leadership, accountability and responsible spending.

"They, to me, epitomize the mayor's responsibility," he said. "Leadership is the aspirational side, and responsible spending and accountability are about keeping the trains running on time. I think the mayor has both those roles."

He said other community leaders generally have multiple obligations - the MP is charged with maintaining the city and the country, our MPP must bridge the province and the city, and councillors are responsible for their designated wards and the city as a whole.

This is not the case with the Office of the Mayor, he said.

"There is one elected position, one job that is solely responsible for the city alone, and that's the mayor. The mayor has no divided responsibilities," Provenzano said. "So in my mind, the mayor has to therefore be the tie that binds. The municipality's role is finite. There's only certain things we do. But the mayor is responsible for identifying problems in the community and bringing the right people together to address those problems."

One issue he addressed Monday evening was the revitalization of Sault Ste. Marie's downtown core, something he feels is crucial in order to create a thriving community.

"I want to start a process where we ask people: 'What do you want your downtown to look like in 2025?' You need a plan, you needs some goals, and you need an end point you want to get to. And then we work on how we'll get there."

Provenzano is one of five candidates running for the position of mayor in the upcoming municipal election.

Others include incumbent Debbie Amaroso, Heather Cook, Robin Coull, Ted Johnston, and Austin Williams.

The municipal election takes place on Monday, October 27, 2014.

For a complete list of certified candidates, visit the City of Sault Ste. Marie website here.

Mayor promotes her leadership style