Another veteran city councillor not running for re-election in Sudbury

Sudbury Ward 8 Coun. Al Sizer won’t seek re-election in October, joining Wards 9 and 10’s Deb McIntosh and Fern Cormier in stepping away from city council.

There are official job openings in three wards in Greater Sudbury, with Ward 8 Coun. Al Sizer announcing April 15 that he won’t be seeking re-election this fall.

The veteran councillor joins Ward 9 Coun. Deb McIntosh, who announced April 2 she’s not running again, and Ward 10 Coun. Fern Cormier who said he was stepping aside in an announcement April 9.

‘Mixed emotions’

“It is with mixed emotions that I announce I will not be seeking re-election to represent Ward 8 in the upcoming municipal election,” Sizer announced.

“I have been truly honoured to serve the residents of Ward 8 and the citizens of this city for just over three terms. This role has been both a privilege and a responsibility that I have deeply valued. While there are many reasons I would like to continue, I believe the time has come to welcome a new voice to represent the needs of our ward and contribute to the broader community.”

Sizer was at first appointed councillor in Ward 8 in 2014 following the death of Fabio Belli. A longtime city employee who had recently retired, he was elected councillor a few months later in the October 2014 municipal election and has held the seat since.

He was among several first-time councillors elected that year, along with Cormier, who also recently announced he wasn’t running again.

“It’s been an interesting journey, but it’s time for new ones now,” Cormier said in his announcement.

“After almost 12 years, which has gone by in the blink of an eye, it’s time to make room for new perspectives. I will not be seeking re-election later this year.”

Cormier praised Mayor Paul Lefebvre and the rest of council, adding that he has “nothing but optimism for our community.”

“I am truly humbled by the trust that has been placed in me by the residents of Ward 10 and I will be forever grateful for having had the opportunity to work with so many talented, caring and dedicated people, including my colleagues on council, city staff and the citizens of this great community.”

Class of 2014

McIntosh’s April 2 announcement that she isn’t running again, marks the third councillor who debuted in 2014 to say they are not running again.

Others first elected that year include Ward 1 Coun. Mark Signoretti, who has not formally announced his plans.

Ward 2 Coun. Michael Vagnini has passed away, as has Ward 3 Coun. Gerry Montpellier. Also elected for the first time in 2014 and no longer on council is former Ward 5 Coun. Bob Kirwan, who lost in 2022, and Ward 7 Coun. Mike Jakubo, who didn’t run for reelection in 2022.

That leaves Signoretti and Ward 6 Coun. Rene Lapierre still remaining from the 2014 vote. The longest serving member of council in Sudbury is Ward 12 Coun. Joscelyne Landry-Altmann, who was first elected in 2006.