I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Windsor Square, Refine Fitness, Big Tony’s, moderator Jake Rondot and everyone who attended tonight’s Ward 4 Candidate’s Debate.

In mingling with the audience after the event, feedback seems to be swaying in the direction of myself coming out on top.

To provide those who were not in attendance an opportunity to form their own opinion, videos of the entire debate will be posted shortly. In the meantime, please enjoy both my opening and closing statements from the evening:

If you’ve gone around Windsor lately, I am sure you’ve noticed that our city is not healthy. Our council can blame a global economic meltdown all they like, but the reality is, other cities also felt its impact, and they have moved onward and forward. The difference is, their leaders were prepared for it, ours were not. The writing was on the wall and many saw what was coming, but instead of setting Windsor up to absorb its impact, our council stood on the sidelines. As usual, they reacted instead of being proactive.

Our ward and our city do not need more of the same. The status quo is simply not working. We do not need a councillor who alienates himself from his peers. We also do not need someone who wants to run our city like a corporation and overlooks the fact that we are people, not numbers. We need someone who acts, someone who brings fresh, innovative ideas to the table, like my “Let’s Help Windsor Grow” Municipal Food Plan and my ‘Green Jobs Policy’.

At 30 years of age, my resume may be shorter than some of these candidates, but it is just as impressive if not more so. I own and operate my own, highly regarded business which thrives on promoting our region, winning provincial awards and getting Windsor exposure throughout Ontario and beyond. I have even been selected as one of only three finalists from across Canada as an Innovator of the Year for tourism. I am young, but I am accomplished and respected throughout my industry.

I understand fiscal responsibility, I truly do, but I also understand that there are certain things in building a great community that you simply cannot justify solely on an accountant’s ledger. I have always put people and my community first, even in my business dealings, and while I am strong willed, I also work well with others regardless if I agree with them or not.

I encourage you to come speak with me after this debate, and, on October 25, vote Ciotoli to help Windsor succeed.