Vrebosch leaves the PC race

Bill Vrebosch
News Release

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Integrity and honesty have been the qualities I have tried to live my life by. These two qualities are those which I must now exercise with you, the people of Nipissing.

On January 5th, my family and I were ready to challenge for the Progressive Conservative nomination in Nipissing. My team met and we were confident about the fact that we could mount a decent challenge for the position. I met with a group of North Bay business people and, after a short luncheon, I made the decision that I would hold a press conference to announce my intentions. My papers were filed and accepted. We were ready to fight a good fight.

Meanwhile, a health issue was brewing with my wife that we thought could be managed. On Wednesday, January 12th, it became clear that Gisele’s health issue was going to require more care and attention than initially contemplated. Her current health concerns have occupied most of my thoughts and concentration since.

My wife Gisele is the ultimate wife who would do anything to back me up in this quest and she knows it has been a lifelong dream of mine. Despite her objections, I have decided that I am unable to continue the nomination race because I will not allow my wife to sacrifice her health for my political desires and ambitions. Even though she is telling me to go on with the nomination race, there is no question that Gisele and her health come first.

Since my announcement, many friends have offered to help and I realize that this will be a shock to them. I have spent most of the last few days explaining the situation and asking for their opinions. I spoke to many provincial colleges in Toronto on Thursday and asked for their opinion since many of them have been in provincial politics and they know the demands of the position. Almost unanimously, their answer has been that they will respect any decision I make and that I should put the health issue up front in my life.

I want to thank our many friends and I ask them to accept my decision to look after my family before politics.

Therefore, I will be withdrawing from the nomination race in Nipissing and will continue on as the Mayor of East Ferris along with some of my provincial responsibilities.

I will be notifying the party executive to have my nomination papers withdrawn.

Both Vic Fedelli and I know that we would have been formidable foes for each other and that, since we are both very passionate when we go after something, the race would have been something that would be nothing less than exciting.

I wish Vic all the success in his quest and I am sure that he will do Nipissing proud.

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