The absence of Premier Wynne from the Leaside Property Owners Association all-candidates meeting last week has raised questions as to why. Obviously, it is a busy time for Ms Wynne but one might think she would wish to be present for a gathering like this in her own riding. Carol Burtin Phipp, co-president of the LPOA, has said that the Premier had said shortly after the invitation was sent that she wanted to be at the meeting but it was up to the Provincial campaign managers. “Subsequently LPOA Director Andrea Villiers kept in close touch with Liberal head office who said they would do their best, but it was only confirmed for sure on the morning before our meeting (Tuesday, May 22) that Thunder Bay, not Leaside, would get Wynne. Till then there had been some hope.” On the night of the meeting there was a belief or theory among some that party leaders had agreed not to attend meetings in their own ridings. This appears to be without foundation.
