September 29, 2003
Even though this corner believes the Progressive Conservatives can best lead the Province of Ontario, Canadafreepress.com will have its eye on the now notorious battle for Scarborough Centre come Election Night.
CFP will be rooting for "liberal independent" Costas Manios. From the start of the provincial election campaign, Manios has been the underdog, the David up against the Goliath of the provincial Liberal backroom boys, and the unwavering standard bearer of the `little guy’.
With his proven track record of steadfast loyalty to the Dalton McGuinty Liberals, Manios was stabbed in the back in the nomination process, in a story that is becoming all too familiar in provincial Liberal power plays.
Where many would have given up by walking away, Costas Manios picked up and played the unjust card he was dealt.
The passion of his campaign has been refreshing. Volunteers facing subtle threats to their futures in campaigns yet to come, stood strong and hit the campaign trail with a dedication to be admired. These awesome young volunteers include investigative journalist Justin Boudreau, of former Frank fame, who can count Torontofreepress.canadafreepress.com as fans.
A main character of the Scarborough Centre saga denotes what is sadly becoming a trademark of municipal politics: the blindly ambitious, short on principles, flip-flopping councillor. The name of the character is Brad Duguid, dubbed "Brutus" by the municipal watchdog Toronto Free Press.
Duguid’s record as a Toronto city councillor has been less than impressive. One of his last chapters as an elected councillor was marked by his appalling show of arrogance and rudeness to the leader of the lawn and garden industry during council’s "debate" in which pesticides were banned.
No one–least of all Costas Manios should have been surprised when Duguid reneged on a personal letter to the riding association-blessed candidate promising never to run against him–only to jump by parachute into the race.
Duguid, of "Et Tu Brute" notoriety could not be taken for his word on council. Likely ditto for provincial politics should he ever make it as an MPP.
Out on the hustings, Duguid watchers have been surprised at his claims that he is opposed to same sex marriages.
The records show that he was one of 27 Toronto city councillors who voted in favour of Motion J13 in August, 2002. Motion J13 clearly states: "And be it further resolved that Toronto City Council strongly request the Prime Minister of Canada to take immediate steps to allow marriages between persons of the same sex."
Duguid, who finds a mentor in Greg "show me the money" Sorbara, claims he has been a member of the Liberal Party for years.
Proof against that claim stands in the purchase of his membership in the Liberal Party, dated April 30. 2003. (Duguid was appointed as the Liberal candidate in Scarborough on May 1, 2003.)
Costas Manios has been a Liberal of conviction not convenience.
Had Ernie Eves been willing to parachute a replacement candidate against incumbent Marilyn Mushinski during the nomination process, would Duguid have been a loyal Tory?
The passionate Costas Manios campaign is a campaign fought by the little guy shut out of the boardroom; a hard-fought campaign distinguished by an underdog who believes that winning is worth trying even with the odds stacked so high against him.
Jumped-up municipal councillors who can’t be counted upon to keep their word are commonplace.
If political justice prevails, Costas Manios will be the winner on Oct. 2.
Canada Free Press founding editor Most recent by Judi McLeod is an award-winning journalist with 30 years experience in the print media. Her work has appeared on Newsmax.com, Drudge Report, Foxnews.com, Glenn Beck. Judi can be reached at: judi@canadafreepress.com
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