Bob Bailey speaks to supporters at the Sarnia Legion June 7, 2018 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Jordan Smith)Bob Bailey speaks to supporters at the Sarnia Legion June 7, 2018 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Jordan Smith)
Sarnia

Bailey Wins Fourth Term

Progressive Conservative incumbent Bob Bailey surged to victory for a fourth time in Sarnia-Lambton in Thursday's provincial election, but for the first time he'll sit on the government side of the Legislature.

Bailey was first elected in 2007, defeating Liberal MPP and cabinet minister Caroline Dicocco, but has been an opposition MPP until Doug Ford's majority win Thursday.

The Petrolia native was declared the winner about 15 minutes after the polls closed at 9pm and ended up with 26,811 votes, 7,800 more than his nearest rival, NDP candidate Kathy Alexander.

Bailey told party faithful at the Sarnia Legion on Front St. that "to be a good government member, when you get to government, you should have served in opposition."

He said health care is a big issue in the riding and the heavy haul corridor, and he mentioned again the landing of $100-million to help secure NOVA Chemicals $2-billion polyethylene investment.

"I think there are more projects that can come here and now that we have a government member I can lobby the infrastructure minister on safety issues out on the 402, even the Sombra ferry."

Liberal Neil Wereley finished a distant third, nearly 17,000 votes behind Alexander, followed by the Green Party's Kevin Shaw, the Trillium Party's Andy Bruziewicz, Jeff Lozier of the None of the Above Party, and Fanina Kodre of the fledgling Century Party.

An emotional Alexander, taking her first run at public office, told supporters at Refined Fool Brewing Company on London Rd. that "we tried our really best, we ran an incredible, positive campaign."

Alexander said she's proud she got to represent the community as the NDP candidate. "Andrea Horwath is an incredible leader and person and I know she's going to represent kick-ass opposition and fight really hard for better health care, better education, opportunities for our kids and our parents."

She said she's looking forward to going back to work as Executive Director of the Bluewater Health Foundation and raise money for the hospital.

Kathy Alexander addresses NDP party faithful at The Refined Fool June 7, 2018 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Stephanie Chaves)Kathy Alexander addresses NDP party faithful at The Refined Fool June 7, 2018 (BlackburnNews.com photo by Stephanie Chaves)

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