Patti Jennings releases campaign platform

Mayoral candidate Patti Jennings released her platform this morning, surrounded by her parents (Nora and Art Jennings), supporters and a collection of memorabilia from her past.

The Sault Collegiate Institute grad said she wants to turn Sault Ste. Marie into the capital of Northern Ontario.

Jennings told SooToday.com that she'll only campaign six days a week. Both she and her staff will be taking Sundays off.

The following is the full text of Jennings' statement at Collegiate Heights Retirement Home, the former site of SCI.

**************************************************************** The Jennings’ Way

- Real Teamwork, Co-operation and Respect - Ethics and Integrity - Creativity in Problem-Solving - Hard Work, Intelligence, Diligence - Ability to Draw on Appropriate Resources and Expertise

"Do Right; Do It Right; Do It Right Now."

Vision

In three years, I see a city well on its way to prosperity.

Youth out-migration will be minimized; unemployment will be at or below the provincial average; our population decline will have stopped and we will begin a period of growth - we will have a vibrant community that will be the envy of the province.

We will have eliminated the doctor shortage and will have moved from 52nd to the top 20 in health care.

The new hospital, a permanent casino, a new arena, and major all-season tourism attractions will be in the process of construction.

We will have substantial growth in tourism and recreation. Our city will be the most cost effective and efficient city (of its size) in Ontario.

We will be recognized as the “Capital of Northern Ontario” and the desired place to live, work and play.

Goals

- To stimulate the economy and dramatically reduce unemployment and welfare by attracting new Industry: Manufacturing; High Tech; Research; and Small Business.

- To stop the out-migration of youth and increase the population base.

- To establish a new era of harmony, co-operation and teamwork in Council and at city hall.

- To rekindle the "Spirit of the Sault" and improve the Quality of Life for all residents.

Introduction

It is my belief that a Mayor, in isolation, has a very limited capacity and authority for change. The Mayor must have the support, involvement and backing of the Council and the citizens of Sault Ste. Marie.

We must be a "Team"; a team that will conduct public business in an ethical manner and always with integrity and respect for others.

I truly believe I have the capabilities to build a consensus for growth. I will work hard with the new Council to develop just such a consensus.

I recognize that all Councilors bring great ideas and passion for growth. These must be integrated into a comprehensive plan for our city.

In addition, the Mayor and Council must have the support and commitment of city staff at all levels.

I am ready, willing and able to build a positive open relationship with city staff and administration to ensure that the next few years are indeed years of growth and harmony.

I believe deeply in our city; I believe deeply in our citizens; and I believe deeply in the power of teamwork.

I also believe it is not only important that our city profit economically but it is equally important that we maintain a strong social conscience and a deep sense of pride in our city.

I want the negative publicity of the past to be replaced by strong positive messages. I want the Sault to be thought of "highly". I want the Sault to be thought of "fondly". I want the Sault to be thought of as "The Capital of Northern Ontario". As a "Full Time" Mayor, I am committed to work with whomever and for however long it takes to achieve these goals.

Jobs/Careers

Time and time again, citizens have loudly shouted their number one priority – "JOBS!"

My number one goal will be to create, with the involvement and support of city council and city administration, an environment that stimulates real economic growth through employment creation.

I want us to achieve success in this area as rapidly as possible. I want us to achieve significant reductions in unemployment.

I want us to achieve significant reduction in the number of families and individuals on social assistance in our city.

I want us to achieve significant INCREASES in jobs that provide stability to our community.

Our community needs employment opportunities that will allow our young people to settle and raise families in Sault Ste. Marie and further their chosen careers.

This is not to diminish our previous efforts in attracting new businesses.

Our success with call centres/contact facilities as well as retail and manufacturing is to be commended.

These are much needed and important members of our community and fill a very important role in our economy.

My congratulations go to all those involved and I look forward to meeting with the leaders of these industries as soon as possible to see what more can be done.

In the meantime, we must expand our business opportunities portfolio.

We must do more if we are to achieve higher levels of employment – we must expand our base dramatically.

The first step (again with the support and force of Council) will be to aggressively work with Mr. Orazietti and Mr. Provenzano to get a full government commitment to relocate a minimum of 1000 government department jobs to the Sault over the next 3 years.

The Ontario Lottery Corporation relocation to the Sault in the early 90s stimulated the economy by bringing more than just wages to this city; entire families made their homes in our community.

This influx of people stimulated many sectors of our economy, including construction and retail, and helped to grow our municipal tax base.

The Peterson government quoted the cost figure of $60 million to complete the move.

The rationale for the move was "To promote the economic development and diversification of Northern Ontario and in particular, Sault Ste. Marie."

The same rationale (not a feasibility study) should be the reason for the relocation of the OLGC positions currently operating out of Toronto.

Premier Peterson in the Sault for the Labatt's Brier in 1990 said, "It costs money to build a decent society."

A decent society is my goal for Sault Ste. Marie.

There are many examples of provincial government departments that could find suitable homes in our community.

The Municipalities Property Assessment Corporation, Ministry of Natural Resources, and Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, to name just a few, could all expand current operations locally.

The Federal Government has often been called upon to decentralize its operations as a means of economic diversification.

Agencies like FedNor and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation could be well served by our location in the heart of Canada.

Our existing Federal offices desperately need more staff to better serve our community.

Immigration and HRDC are two examples of agencies that have experienced massive caseload backlogs. They need funding for more staff.

To read the continuation of Ms. Jenning's platform announcement, please click here.