Quaiff eyes Liberal position – County Weekly News

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY-

Mayor Robert Quaiff is leaning toward jumping into the race for the Bay of Quinte provincial Liberal candidacy. After being approached by the Liberal brass, including MPP Lou Rinaldi, in recent months about his interest in entering provincial politics, Qauiff started to give it some serious thought. There is some interest, but I havent gone through the process of filing any nomination yet, Quaiff said. There is a bit of interest there, I wont deny that. Im seriously taking the time to consider it. Quaiff was sought out by the Liberal brass. I had a lot of conversations with some within the Liberal party and theyre looking for a candidate for the Bay of Quinte riding, he said. The resources being offered to me is enticing. I feel honoured that any political party would be interested in me. It was initiated by Lou Rinaldi quite some time ago. Queens Park might be unfamiliar turf for Quiaff, who has spent most of his political life on municipal council, but the mayor said he has been exposed to regional and provincial issues from his service in other capacities such as chairperson of Eastern Ontario Wardens Caucus and chairperson of the police services board since 2001. If I didnt think I was ready, I wouldnt even begin to consider it, Quaiff said. With all of that background and visits to Queens Park and the federal level, I feel confident I have the ability and experience to go forward with this initiative. Quaiff first got elected in 2000, before taking a sabbatical, then returning for a brief stint to fill in following the untimely death of Coun. Ron Everall. Quaiff took another break before winning back a council seat in 2010. He ascended to the mayors chair in 2014. If selected, Quaiff would have to go up against a strong incumbent in MPP Todd Smith. I dont participate in anything to lose, he said. Im going to have to step back and weigh those odds. I have to do whats right for my family first, but I love serving people and I love doing the job I have now. Its going to be difficult process for me but at the end I hope i come up with the right decision.

Read the rest here:

Quaiff eyes Liberal position - County Weekly News