Vrebosch to run under Conservative banner

East Ferris Mayor Bill Vrebosch announces he is seeking the Nipissing Conservatives' provincial nomination.

With his wife Gisele at his side, standing in front of the Ontario Correctional Services building on First Avenue Monday morning, East Ferris Mayor Bill Vrebosch tossed his hat in the race to become the Nipissing Conservative candidate for the October 10th provincial election.

Happy with he’s accomplished in East Ferris, Vrebosch said it is no secret that he wants to move on to the next level in politics and running under the Conservative banner gives him that opportunity. He also told reporters that with his 31 years experience in municipal politics he knows the issues and the region and expects John Tory to respect his tenure.

“I know Nipissing like the back of my hand,”

“I told Tory I won’t be a backbencher … I talk to much.”

When asked about party loyalties given that he had sought the Liberal nomination years ago, Vrebosch stated that he is not a party man.

“I’m Bill Vrebosch, I run for the person,” he states.

“I think that John Tory can do the job.”

Calling himself as a frustrated taxpayer, Vrebosch says that once the writ is dropped with the blessing of his council and constituents, he will step down as mayor of East Ferris for the duration of the campaign.

“I fully intend to carry out my duties,”

“I have the full support of council … I’m ready to run, but I won’t shirk my responsibilities.”

While his opponent for the candidacy, Judy Koziol, came out swinging at MPP Monique Smith stating “it’s going to be her or myself,” Vrebosch says he won’t play that game.

“Monique and I go way back, back to our school days,” he states.

“This is not personal, this is about policy and issues.”

Vrebosch is confident that he can sell the necessary (300 – 400) number of memberships he will need to secure the nomination, and says he has a good feeling about the election stating that the ‘tide is coming’ in Ontario.

April 28th is the tentative date the Nipissing Conservative Party has selected for the nomination meeting.