Hugh Stevenson, Conservative candidate for the Sault Ste. Marie-Algoma riding in the upcoming federal election, was spotted door-knocking in Elliot Lake today. ElliotLakeToday's Stephen Calverley spent some time with him and asked him a few questions.
ElliotLakeToday asked what he is hearing from Elliot Lakers.
Stevenson: “Well, I'm hearing a lot of positivity. I'm hearing a lot of need for change.
“I'm hearing that they're concerned about bail release in this community, that the deterrent system and the criminal justice system just isn't there and they want it cleaned up.”
Stevenson recently retired as the Chief of Police in Sault Ste. Marie to run for the Conservative party in Sault Ste- Marie – Algoma.
Referring to his candidacy and past experience, he said attention needs to be given to Bill C-75 on a number of levels and “I realize something has to be done."
“So that's why I ran for office, and I can guarantee you, as your candidate, you're going to see me here a lot more than you've ever seen a candidate before.”
“I care about public safety, and I care about putting more money in people's pockets, and our government will do that,” he said.
Stevenson said concern has been “primarily public safety and taxes.”
“The third issue that we've seen a lot about is bringing revenue to our communities.
“I mean, we have to be more than just one particular industry. We have the Ring of Fire that's sitting there, undeveloped due to bureaucracy, and a Liberal government that Carney wants to keep our energy in the ground," he said.
“We want to get that energy up, create jobs, and reduce the cost of housing, reduce the cost of food and fuel for our people, and let's make government work and be efficient.”
ElliotLakeToday: “Is there anything else that you would want Elliot Lakers to know on any other topic?”
Stevenson: “Just to be honest with you, that the Conservative Party and me, myself, as a Chief of Police retired, I care. I care about the community, and I care about how far this has went, and we need to do something about it. We need to make change, we need to bring it.”
SooToday has reached out to Stevenson for interviews but has been declined.