Two less for federal Liberal nomination

Two potential candidates for the Nipissing federal Liberal nomination have bowed out of the competition, citing family and business concerns as their reasons.

Peter McKeown, general manager of the Rogers Radio group in North Bay, announced Tuesday he won’t pursue the nomination because fatherhood and family mean more to him than a possible jump into politics.

“I’m dedicated to being a good father and family man, so it’s a question of priorities, and mine is with my wife and two young daughters,” McKeown told baytoday.ca.

“And this decision was made in consultation with them.”

McKeown said he was “flattered and honoured” so many people had encouraged him to seek the nomination.
He also thanked outgoing Nipissing Bob Wood “for his help and guidance.”

“Bob also helped me make this decision, as he has helped me with my career in radio in North Bay, for which I’m grateful,” McKeown said.

Totally supportive
Ted Hargreaves cited family life and “career opportunities” in his decision not to seek the nomination, despite being favoured by many local Liberals.

“After a long and difficult assessment involving both my family and me I have decided not to run,” said Hargreaves, a chartered accountant and manager of the BDO Dunwoody offices in North Bay and Sudbury.

“It’s a combination of my family life and business opportunities that made me decide against running, although my family told me they would have been totally supportive had I wanted to go for it.”

Hargreaves said the decision was a difficult one to make since he’s a great booster of North Bay and a great believer in regional economic growth.

“But the timing is just not right,” Hargreaves said.

Other possible candidates
So far only Susan Church has entered the race to replace with Wood, with Anthony Rota announcing his entry Nov. 27.

Other possible candidates include former Callander Mayor Hec Lavigne, East Ferris Mayor Bill Vrebosch, and North Bay lawyer Hugh McLachlan.

Carol Lonsdale, president of the Timiskaming-Cochrane Federal Liberal Riding Association, said there may be several candidates from her neck of the woods interested in the nomination.

A nomination night will be held either Feb. 28 or March 6.