It is my honor to run for MAYOR of SUFFOLK!

It is my true honor, to participate in the historic election to directly elect our next Mayor. As Mayor, I will be committed to truly open and transparent government, rather than backroom deals.

We all know that Suffolk and much of the region has experienced unprecedented development and growth over the last several years. We also know that we have a faltering economy that is making our lot in life, just that much more difficult. As such, to continue doing things as we have in the past seems as productive as expecting our home values to skyrocket next week. With these many challenges, comes the real demand that we scale back our lives and rediscover that living with a little bit less is both healthy and possible. In this regard, I believe that our local government must also live with less and take less from us in taxes, fees and charges. We can no longer afford to pay for huge increases in the cost of government and must demand lower and more reasonable taxes.

As we come off ten years of unprecedented growth, were local government has been fueled by artificially expanded taxes from our rising home assessments, and things must change. I have been a strong advocate for you, describing how our Mayor has failed to recognize the caustic effects of these high taxes on many Suffolk families. I have called repeatedly for a more measured and realistic tax policy. However, our Mayor and Council have raised property taxes by almost ninety-five percent in just the last five years alone. This newfound treasure has lead to lazy budgeting and wasteful spending on speculative and imprudent demands, at our expense. There is little doubt that big mistakes have been made, but when made by our Mayor and City Council we have to pay and we have! I am a fiscal conservative and as your next Mayor, I intend to change these big spending habits. I will be a consensus builder, as an advocate for merit, not who knows whom. I will be inclusive and open in how our local government works and functions. I will demand the most of your hard earned taxes and that we pay for actual solutions. I intend to lead our local government back to the real mission of delivering the "Core Governmental Services" of quality Public Safety, Education, Utilities, and Economic Development that builds jobs to pay for it all.

I am not asking to be your next Mayor to just fill the job, but rather to serve you. It is time that we return to public service by merit and good will, not special interests. I am asking you for the job of Mayor of Suffolk, because I am the best qualified and hold the skills and perspective to get it right. I am respectfully asking that you allow me to serve our community as your next Mayor in Suffolk and voting for me on November 4th. Please help me, help serve our community!

Roger A. Leonard, MPA
Suffolk Mayoral Candidate