Bill_macdonald

Jeff Green | Mar 22, 2007

Back toHome

Bill MacDonald to seek provincial Liberal nominationby Jeff Green

Former Central Frontenac Mayor Bill MacDonald is attempting a political comeback four months after being defeated in a municipal election. MacDonald served 18 years on municipal council, the last nine as mayor, and has served as Warden of Frontenac County on two occasions, the most recent being 2005.

Throughout his municipal career, Bill MacDonald avoided any over-affiliation with provincial or federal political parties. “As a municipal politician, I had to deal with whichever party was in power, so I stayed away from party politics, but I have always been a Liberal supporter,” he said in an interview earlier this week.

“I have met people from throughout the riding over the years, and I feel I have an understanding of the issues that matter to people in the rural areas. I’d like to bring that perspective to Toronto.”

MacDonald also said that Central Frontenac has done well under the provincial Liberals.

Bill MacDonald owns his own logging and educational sales businesses.

Ian Wilson, of Amherstview, who announced his intention to seek the party nomination in February, has also served on municipal council, in Ernestown. A career educator at St. Lawrence College, where he rose to the position of Dean of the School of Business, Wilson has been active in various Kingston-based volunteer bodies over the years, including the Chamber of Commerce, Kingston Area Recycles (KARC), and others. Most recently, he has served as the inaugural chair of the Southeast Ontario Local Health Integration Network.

A date has not yet been set for a nomination meeting, although one is expected by mid-May

The date of the next provincial election is known, however. In a break with tradition, the election date has been set in advance. It will be held on October 10th.

The date of the next federal election, on the other hand is extremely uncertain.

In order to be prepared, the federal Liberals will be naming their candidate this Saturday at the Piccadilly Hall. With the nomination deadline approaching, only one candidate has come forward so far, former parliamentary assistant and one-time Mayor of Napanee, Dave Remington.

The Conservative and Green Parties have already named their federal candidates for Lanark Frontenac Lennox and Addington. They are three-time incumbent MP Scott Reid, and newcomer Chris Walker, respectively.

A date for a federal NDP candidate selection meeting is expected shortly.