Full podcast: https://lovethenorth.ca/article/261001-sudbury-ward-borg-on-roads Who should have the final say on major municipal projects: the elected officials sitting around the council table or the taxpayers who will ultimately pay the bill? In this episode of Love the North, Ward 9 candidate James Borg questions whether Greater Sudbury residents have enough influence over major spending decisions. Borg points to the downtown Event Centre as an example of a project involving hundreds of millions of dollars that raises important questions about public consultation, affordability, and long-term financial responsibility. He argues that projects of this magnitude should involve greater public participation and suggests that referendums could give residents a more direct voice before major financial commitments are made. Meanwhile, roads continue to deteriorate, aging infrastructure needs repairs, and rural communities are asking for essential services. Borg questions why residents are expected to accept major spending decisions while many feel their everyday concerns remain unresolved. He also believes council meetings should be easily accessible online so taxpayers can watch discussions, review decisions, and understand how their representatives vote. But there is a bigger question about accountability. Electing councillors gives them the authority to make decisions. Should that authority also come with an obligation to seek direct public approval for exceptionally large expenditures? What size of project should trigger a referendum? And how can the city ensure residents are properly informed about the costs, benefits, and alternatives? Watch the full conversation with James Borg on Love the North. #LoveTheNorth #JamesBorg #Ward9 #GreaterSudbury #TaxpayerDollars #PublicConsultation #Accountability #SudburyElection2026