We’ve known each other a long time. Much has happened since I met you as a Otonabee Ward councillor more than 25 years ago.

Along the way, you have developed into a far more political person than the south-end boy who was deeply connected to the people he represented.

I will never forget the pride you took in seeing Lansdowne Street West refurbished to improve access to businesses along that stretch.

When you were elected as MPP in 2003, you headed off to Queen’s Park intent on doing good things for Peterborough. And you did. Over the next 15 years, you advocated for this area and supported great projects here.

The one exception was your refusal to help move The Parkway file off the Environment Minister’s desk. That always lingered for me as a black mark on your record.

It was always a delight to meet you at the farmers market after your MPP role ended in........

© Peterborough Examiner