An embarrassing incident that led to local MP Anthony Rota resigning as House Speaker has propelled him to Newsmaker of the Year as voted by BayToday readers.
Of the 1,251 votes cast, Rota finished first in the poll with 550 votes or 44 per cent of the total. That was far ahead of second-place finisher Steve Brown, a private citizen who led the charge against renaming Chippewa. Brown got 183 votes or 15 per cent.
In the third spot were Tom Richardson and Sarah Jane Valiquette who spearhead a fundraiser to renovate the exterior of the local Sons of Jacob Synagogue with 101 votes or eight per cent.
Rounding out the top five is Robert Steven Wright, a North Bay man convicted of murder in Sudbury and facing local assault charges with 89 votes, and MPP Vic Fedeli, Ontario's international salesman, who hit the news for supporting the Greenbelt selloff, and who is a supporter of the Northlander revival with 72 votes.
Last year's winner was Councillor Maggie Horsfield, who made an incredible municipal election run to top the polls in North Bay and became deputy mayor.
The rookie politician stunned the field of 28 candidates by finishing first, and proving that North Bay voters wanted change in the way the city is run, including greater transparency.
The 2023 Story of the Year is the ongoing arena saga.
The 2023 Sports story of the Year is World waterski champ Jaimee Bull.
