I’m not sure how voters in the London-Fanshawe riding will decide between Irene Mathyssen and Glen Pearson. I’ve met Pearson and his wife, Jane Roy, and I have a lot of respect for their work in the community and in Africa; they’re all-round good people, with a strong sense of what is morally correct and the courage to act on that conviction. If I lived in the riding, I’m pretty sure my ballot would be cast for Pearson.
That being said, I know former MPP Mathyssen only by reputation, but it’s a good one. I’d definitely like to see a more experienced NDP candidate in my own riding, and Mathyssen would have made it a tough three-way race between her, incumbent (and cabinet minister) Joe Fontana, and John Mazzilli (who’s also an import from London-Fanshawe). As suggested by my letter to the candidates, though, I’m going to need to do a pretty thorough evaluation before making up my mind for London North Centre.
