Menegakis takes Richmond Hill

 

The Tories won a new seat in Scarborough Centre as Roxanne James beat out Liberal incumbent John Ca“Shocked” is how incumbent Bryon Wilfert summed up one of the worst political evenings in Liberal Party history as polls continued to roll in just before midnight, with his Richmond Hill riding opponent Costas Menegakis already declared the winner.

Salt in the wound was the fact that the Conservative government won a majority, while the Liberal Party lost its place as the official opposition to the NDP.

But for the former town councillor, the sting is deeper as tonight marks the end of a quarter century of political service to the Richmond Hill riding.
“I just hope this night doesn’t overshadow 26 years of work,” said a dejected Wilfert, who received hugs from supporters and could hardly look at large screens displaying results at what was to be in Mr. Wilfert’s words earlier in the evening, “a victory party”.
“I guess you don’t have to show up for debates to win in this riding,” said Mr. Wilfert in reference to Mr. Menegakis missing two all-candidates debates in the campaign. “We just never saw this coming,” he added.

Receiving just as many, but more vigorous and excited hugs across town was Richmond Hill’s new MP, Conservative Costas Menegakis.

The election rookie was his campaign office before attending his official party at the nearby Archibald’s Pub.

Earlier in the evening, Mr. Menegakis was “cautiously optimistic”, predicting a win. And polls showed his victory was all but certain, he stood nearly quivering with energy and excitement, having achieved a goal many in political circlees thought wouldn’t be possible.
“I am deeply humbled two times over that residents in this riding have confidence in me and I pledge to work hard for them every day,” said Mr. Menegakis over the party atmosphere.
“I’m absolutely elated and not just for me, but for all the volunteers who worked so hard on the campaign. We had a strong message and it resonated across the board,” he added.

 

ΠΗΓΗ / SOURCE: YorkRegion.com