Sylvia Jones wins PC nomination for Dufferin-Caledon
By ALAN LICZYK

PC Leader John Tory hugs Sylvia Jones while the other candidates for the Dufferin-Caledon nomination offer their applause after Jones was announced as the winner. The other candidates included (l to r) Drew Brown, Nick Garisto, Paul Hong, Lynne Moore and Jim Wallace.

In a tightly contested race for the Progressive Conservative nomination for Dufferin-Caledon, a veteran worker of the past few provincial elections came out on top in Saturday's vote held in Orangeville.

Sylvia Jones, who has worked for MPPs David Tilson, Ernie Eves and currently serving as John Tory's executive assistant, was named the winner after the voting went the full five rounds of tabulation. She finished ahead of five other candidates: Drew Brown, Nick Garisto, Paul Hong, Lynne Moore and Jim Wallace.

About 1,000 people showed up to hear the candidates speak after which delegates cast their votes using a preferential voting system. Delegates voted just once and were asked to not only vote for their favourite candidate but also rank the other candidates in order of preference. The voting took about a hour and the tabulation lasted about two hours. After each round of tabulation, the candidate with the lowest number of votes was dropped until one candidate emerged with a majority.

Progressive Conservative Leader and Dufferin-Peel- Wellington-Grey MPP John Tory congratulates Sylvia Jones after she won the Progressive Conservative nomination for Dufferin-Caledon at Saturday's meeting in Orangeville. Jones takes over from Tory as the party's local candidate for the next provincial election with Tory opting to run for a seat in Toronto.

Jones will take over from Tory as the riding's candidate when the next provincial election is held in October. From the time he won the Dufferin-Peel-Wellington-Grey byelection in March 2005, Tory announced he would run in a Toronto riding in the next provincial election.

Before the candidates spoke, Tory said to see this many people in attendance was a sense of great pride for him. He joked how come this many people didn't come out to nominate him.

He added he learned to love these communities.

"Thank you for accepting me," he said. "I won't forget where I served first."

He was very proud they had six winners in this race. He asked the delegates to support the eventual winner with every ounce of enthusiasm.

In her speech, Jones noted she first worked for Tilson in 1991, then Eves and Tory. She added every team she has worked on has won in this riding.

She compared this nomination to a job interview. When she hires someone she looks for enthusiasm and you don't win election campaigns without enthusiasm.

"I have that enthusiasm," she said.

She also commented she brings loyalty and commitment that the three MPPs she has served under can attest to.

"All will tell you I've been loyal to them and I've been loyal to the riding," she said. "I have and will put in the hard work necessary."

She explained the reason she was running was because of John Tory.

"I trust John Tory and he trusts me,"she said.

She urged voters to elect a government that understands rural Ontario.

"I have worked hard for three MPPs and I will work hard for you," she said. "I know how to win provincial elections. I will be honest and available."

The other candidates also had 10 minutes to sway delegates with their speeches.

Hong said he wanted to give back and he cares about this community. His family arrived in Caledon 23 years ago.

"They taught me about being thankful and giving back," he said.

His decision to join the PC party 10 years ago was driven by values and he shares John Tory's values. He's been proud to call himself a PC since he was a teenager.

Hong noted Premier Dalton McGuinty has raised taxes, cut services and failed the province's farmers.

"We continue to overregulate our farmers," he said. "They are the backbone of our economy."

He wanted to see gas taxes go to improving roads and highways. He also believes there should be more investment in policing and services for seniors.

Hong vowed to ensure Dufferin-Caledon gets its fair share.

Brown said most people agree actions speak louder than words.

He noted McGuinty made 231 promises.

"How many of you would believe another Dalton McGuinty promise," he said. "You know this province needs a Progressive Conservative government."

Brown explained he won five elections and has a record of accomplishment.

As Orangeville's mayor, he helped garner good relationships with its neighbouring municipalities. His council also dealt with controversial issues. It fixed streets and replaced sewer lines and watermains.

He also said he would fight to keep the riding green and give farmers an opportunity to make a living. He would make it a priority to extend Highway 427, finish Highway 410 and widen Highway 10 through Caledon village.

He would also keep the Bolton constituency office open with regular hours.

"I will deliver for you," he said. "I want to go to Queen's Park to get things done. I have a track record that proves I do get thing done."

Garisto noted he served nine years on Orangeville council, including the last three as deputy mayor. He said he was instrumental in bringing the Orangeville bypass to reality.

"I have a growing concern for local and provincial issues," he said.

He explained Highway 410 and Highway 10 need immediate attention. He also wants to see a plan of action to address the doctor shortage in the area. He added there's a lack of facilities and affordable housing for seniors, and education has become a financial struggle for students.

"Education should be an equal opportunity for all students," he said.

Garisto also noted Canadian farmers face many disadvantages. The farmers and government must work together, he said.

"I want an Ontario where quality of life is second to none," he said.

Moore noted she's a partner in a dairy farm and works at the Superior Court of Justice office in Brampton.

She's an advocate for health care and said full funding must be restored. The doctor shortage is another concern of hers. She would like to see additional doctors trained to ensure the needs of the people of Ontario.

She added roads and infrastructure should be a priority especially Highways 427, 410, 10 and bridges.

Moore also commented our environment is a leading concern and farmers need to be on a level playing field.

"You need a person with roots in this riding," she said.

Wallace said they will unite to defeat a Liberal government that repeatedly breaks promises.

He noted he and his wife bought the struggling Belfountain Inn and built it into an award-winning restaurant. He was also elected to Caledon council three years ago and helped develop a strategic plan for the municipality. Caledon became debt free this year and is a leading municipality in Ontario, he said.

He added the Liberal government has disregarded their needs. He has a plan to improve transportation and he will fight for increases in spending.

He explained many who farm do it out of passion. He promised to work hand in hand with the agricultural community.

On growth, Wallace proposed that it be managed in a way residents want it.