Full Podcast: https://lovethenorth.ca/article/261010-ward-eddie-astgen-sudbury-tax Ward 9 candidate Eddie Astgen says one of the biggest frustrations he hears from residents is simple: **they do not feel heard.** Astgen says people often call 311, explain a problem, receive a notice that the issue is “in progress,” and then later get another message saying the file has been closed — sometimes without knowing what was done, why it was closed, or whether the original problem was actually solved. His concern is that communication cannot stop at opening and closing a ticket. Residents need context. If a road problem cannot be fixed right away, explain why. If a complaint is being redirected to another department, tell the resident where it went. If the City decides not to act, explain the reason instead of simply marking the file closed. Astgen says the same principle should apply to major decisions, emergency notices and neighbourhood issues. He argues the City needs a communication system that works both citywide and at the neighbourhood level, including direct alerts when something important happens such as a drinking-water advisory. He questions relying too heavily on social media, where important information can easily be missed. His broader point is that communication should be a two-way street. **Residents should be able to reach City Hall — and City Hall should be able to clearly explain what is happening, what is being done, and what happens next.** Astgen says rebuilding that line of communication is one of the ways residents can start feeling connected to the decisions being made on their behalf. #Sudbury #EddieAstgen #Ward9 #CityHall #Communication #311 #Accountability #CommunityVoice #GreaterSudbury #NorthernOntario #LoveTheNorth