Last Day For Advance Polls

The last day of advance polls runs today at City Hall between 9 am to 4:30pm and one mayoral candidate is looking to get a head start.

Stan Lawlor impressed with the excellent turn out at the advance polls has decided to cast his ballot at 12noon today allowing him time on election day to get his vote out.

Meanwhile the CUPE all-candidates debate Friday night at Legion Branch 23 offered the city’s union employees and the public one last chance to hear what the candidates had to say in an open forum, however, the seats were empty.

CUPE organisers suggested that 150 people were out to the event, however, after surveying the room the candidates and their supporters out numbered audience members making the number closer to 40. Due to other commitments Tom Graham and Sarah Campbell were unable to attend.

The candidates answered a number of questions prepared by CUPE members and then the floor was opened where privatisation, outsourcing and the new hospital were the hot topics.

Some candidates indicated that they believe the cost of the North Bay Regional Health Centre will be significantly higher then predicted.

Incumbent Mac Bain suggested that the cost could be 400-million-dollars with Dave Mendicino suggesting the price tag could be even higher.

Meanwhile, Daryl Vaillancourt said the province is washing its hands of responsibility by placing hospital construction in private sector hands.

“I don’t think it’s going to happen for a while, unfortunately,” said John Wilson.

Incumbent Mike Anthony said facility is one of great importance that needs to be kept in the publics hands.

Tom Tucker, Anthony Pigeau, Peter Chirico and Tony Cerasia all echoed Wilson and Anthony’s concerns.

Cerasia said the alternative financing model can’t work and will fall apart.

Maureen Boldt got down to basics and told the room that Nipissing MPP Monique Smith political future hangs in the balance of the of the hospital project.

“I’m sure she knows that if it doesn’t get built the community will turn its back on her,” she states.

Other candidates said the province is responsible for any overruns on the hospital construction and shouldn’t be looking at municipal taxpayers to come up with any more money.

All the candidates agreed on one issue that they oppose privatisation of public services.

Mayoral candidate Stan Lawlor admitted he was wrong in the accusations he made during the Chamber of Commerce debate at the Best Western two week ago that money from the utility (the city’s share for the new hospital) had been filtered through the Air Base corporation, when questioned about the subject by an audience member. Lawlor apologised stating he was mistaken and has since spoken with both the Air Base Property Corporation and North Bay Hydro and apologised.

Fedeli, the statement had offended the groups and he was pleased to see the apology made.

"It’s unfortunate that this pattern of misinformation and confusion has offended so many people by calling their integrity into question. The volunteer Board members of North Bay Hydro, Air Base Property Corporation, and North Bay Hospital have all been slighted. I hope no further accusations are made against the volunteers of our community.”
“I will continue to offer my ideas about the future of North Bay – that’s what a campaign should be all about."

The event wrapped up by offering the two trustee candidates for the Near North District School Board Eunice Saari and Eileen Bruce an opportunity to speak.