Although the original context is completely different, the photo of me, George Sunaitis, is very well suited for the purposes of my campaign to be elected City/County Councillor in the upcoming municipal election November 13, 2000. The symbolism of the dusted off jacket from the army victorious in the Great Patriotic War easily transfers to what I expect to accomplish in a greatly altered relationship with the county where Sarnia gets back control of development inside city limits. Any thoughts by opponents of sending out the dogs should be tempered by observing the one restrained.

In a nutshell, the lack of quality in delivery of local government services when it took the form of a shortsighted road rebuild provided the impetus. Because of the city/county relationship, what should be a natural progression in development and improvement within city limits is thwarted by the county having, in effect, a veto. The unworkability of the present arrangement is most vividly shown in the disgraceful 1.1 km. rebuild of Lakeshore Road (a county road) east of Murphy Road - incomplete and over twice the price to fix later, inherently unsafe and with no consideration for the future. As built, this section is surely an object of ridicule for anyone who has ever used a measuring tape as well as a huge liability in any lawsuit should anyone ever get hurt walking on the road here. It is one thing to complain and another to offer solutions or direction. Those you'll find inside this brochure.

Enhanced and Expanded Trails and Bicycle Lane Network . . .

If, as promised by the City to the Bluewater Trails Committee (myself an active member since May '99 and their representative on the Lambton County Regional Trails Committee since inception March 2000), Vidal Street through the Chemical Valley gets repainted in the spring of 2001 to accommodate dedicated bicycle lanes, I believe there will be great demand from residents to have more of the same. Respondents to a survey indicated an overwhelming preference to have Lakeshore Road improved in such a way. Within the 66' road right of way (ROW) there is more than enough room for 5' dedicated bicycle lanes on each side of the road that has 12' vehicular lanes - 34' of asphalt in all. It makes sense to have - like at Niagara, downriver, Calgary, throughout Europe and new subdivisions in North America - an 8 to 10 foot paved trail separated from the curbed road. This would safely accommodate pedestrians, rollerbladers, and slower cyclists and so naturally loop with the nearby Howard Watson Nature Trail. To upgrade Lakeshore Road in such a way from its present condition as a slightly improved horse cart path would require proper planning to take advantage of federal and provincial infrastructure and tourism enhancement grants. Sewer installation in this corridor would allow these improvements that would be a benefit to everybody (Can the community as a whole make this leap?) and make this city come alive by creating, in effect, a wonderful linear park.

History Recovery and Display . . .

A museum is long overdue. Interpretive signs throughout the city enhance locations of historical importance. The old iron bridge dating from 1910 on Old Lakeshore Road east of Telfer Sideroad is a prime candidate for immediate restoration for future trail service.

Bright's Grove Area Waterfront Development . . .

The building of a public access boat launch at either Cow Creek or Huronview Park should at least be put on the radar screen to see if such might be warranted. The Old Lakeshore Road ROW between Huronview Park and the Cull Drain with its previously mentioned bridge should be retrieved for a spectacular public access trail. Armour stone shoreline protection should be accelerated.

Downtown and Riverfront Development . . .

I'm open for suggestions here. Too bad the Sports Complex wasn't located where the overwhelming majority of people surveyed wanted it. Perhaps the new YMCA could have had a better home downtown. Too bad a federal Millennium grant for over a million dollars was denied for the CN docklands. Why?

Tourism Development . . .

Besides events on the waterfront and elsewhere, the casino, slots and the very obvious benefits from out of town sports teams, I want people to safely explore the city when visiting. See all of the previous points.

Hospital Parking . . .

Within the constraints of the provincially mandated site, the solution seems to be up with multi-level parking.

City/County Relationship . . .

No more county roads within city limits. Period! An $800,000 annual savings with this opt-out according to a report from the City Manager. We need say on the county executive committee proportional to Sarnia's contribution. As I am a construction pipefitter, you can expect me to talk back and represent the city's interests.

Clean Sidewalks in Winter . . .

Other cities can do it. Surely we can too. Do we really want people walking on the roads after snow storms?

Economic Development . . .

We have to celebrate the breakthrough of the coming of the UBE auto parts plant to finally give much needed diversity. Maintain this momentum, but I can't help to wonder why it took so long to implement this strategy with evidence of success all around us. A Fair Wage Policy on city administered contracts would help to keep more money in town. As municipal government is at the bottom of the taxation food chain, we should aggressively seek available provincial and federal grants to assist our building program.

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