WHY I AM ASKING TO BE YOUR MAYOR...

It is always interesting to hear the strong-arm comments from those who try (very poorly), to provide excuses for the way our city is run. The fact is; the City of Suffolk has doubled our real estate taxes in the last six years. The fact is; the City of Suffolk has wasted our money and time on ill-conceived and poorly planed projects that have not benefited our citizens, relative to the costs they carry. The fact is; to many have held on too long, to the seats of authority and we need to push them along with our votes in November and then by term limits.

No one should be allowed to hold a council seat or a seat on a commission or board for more than two consecutive terms, which if honored by your vote I am committed to…


We need more professional leadership that understands that government is entitled to reasonable growth in taxes (but not the rates we have seen) to meet reasonable demands. We need people in local leadership that take responsibility and obligation seriously, rather than using such too pander to a small vocal group that continually demands more at great cost to the many. We need to encourage serious people to take a seat on council and represent the people’s interests, rather than special interests and their own naive needs to puff himself or herself up.


As such, it is important to divide the dialog of the campaigns to come, into the productive that seeks solutions and that which tries to hide the facts under implied obligations to continue past failures of note.

Change does not come quietly; it comes with great effort and insight. I would pose to my fellow citizens the following simple questions: Do you believe that the city administration and council have not been a good stewards of your growing taxes? Do you believe as I do, that the burden of real estate taxes has grown to a point where they no longer are just an increase to support local government, but are being misused and wasted?

If you also believe as so many do, that the answer to both of these questions is YES!!! Then exercise your right at the polls to send a message. This is the only manner available to change your future…


Roger A. Leonard, MPA
Mayoral Candidate, Suffolk