Mayor Al McDonald fired his first shot in the municipal election campaign this afternoon, taking aim at rival Gary Gardiner.
“Everyone tells me I’m too nice," said McDonald in a news release. "Everyone tells me they want me to be more aggressive, especially when others want to take a swing at me. Mr. Gardiner and his taxpayer association guys have a lot of nerve.”
“He wants to question my leadership?” said McDonald. “Leadership indeed! I’ve been a leader in this community in more ways, and for more years, as a private citizen and as Mayor, than any other candidate seeking the Mayor’s office.”
McDonald cites involvement in fundraising for numerous causes including the North Bay Regional Health Centre, Nipissing University, the Food Bank, The Gathering Place, Coldest Night to leading the ‘Save the Cents’ and ‘Save the Hill’ campaigns and fighting for jobs at the ONTC.
“This is in addition to serving the City of North Bay as Deputy Mayor, Mayor and as a Progressive Conservative MPP at Queens Park,” said McDonald. “I know quite a lot about community service and leadership”.
McDonald also points to his schedule of meetings and events.
“A big part of the job means attending events and meetings,” explained McDonald. “People want, and expect, the Mayor to represent the City. I’m sure Vic would agree, as a former Mayor and current MPP, there’s no shortage of events to attend. I like doing them. It’s a privilege.
“Mr. Gardiner says he won’t attend community events. That’s sad. People want to see the Mayor. Being Mayor isn’t a 9 to 5 job. The City deserves a full time Mayor, and that’s what I am.”
McDonald renewed his feud with the now disbanded Taypayer's Association.
“Putting others first and dealing with community needs is the Mayor’s responsibility,” said McDonald. “I’ve tried to do more, but too often road blocks have been put in my way and that includes the Tax Payers Association.
“I’m in the community, I hear what people are saying. I’m not deaf to their frustration,” said McDonald. “Let me just tell you this, I have a plan for change that will completely overhaul how council works. I’ve never let this community down and I’m asking for that trust again.”
“You won’t find a more dedicated community leader than me,” said McDonald “The day after my wedding I was on the job attending Association of Municipalities of Ontario meetings in Ottawa once again putting the community first.”
McDonald will officially launch his campaign and outline his platform in September.
