McDonell wins local Ontario PC nomination

Jim McDonell was selected as the local Ontario PC nominee on Saturday during a well-attended SDSG PC Riding Association Nomination Meeting in Avonmore.

PHOTO CREDIT - Jim McDonell

Avonmore - Apr. 9, 2011 - South Glengarry Mayor Jim McDonell will carry the Ontario PC banner in the riding of Stormont-Dundas-South Glengarry in the Oct. 6 provincial election.

McDonell beat out Winchester farmer and businessman David Guy for the nomination during a well-attended nomination meeting on Saturday at Tagwi Secondary School in Avonmore.

A standing-room only crowd packed the school auditorium and adjoining cafeteria to hear the two candidates make their pitches for the nomination. Officials estimated that more than 1,000 people were on hand for the meeting.

With the selection of McDonell, the Progressive Conservatives will have a seasoned politician on the ballot as they look to take the riding away from the Liberals.

A retired Bell employee, McDonell entered local politics as a councillor in the former Charlottenburgh Township in 1994 and was re-elected in South Glengarry for two additional terms. In 2003, he was elected mayor and has continued in this position to the present.

In 2006, he was elected Warden of the United Counties of S, D and G.

The provincial Liberals will be having a nomination meeting of their own in the near future as incumbent MPP Jim Brownell has announced he won't be seeking re-election.

Former Cornwall city councillor Mark MacDonald, retired St. Lawrence College Director Pat Finucan and Parliament Hill staffer Denis Sabourin have announced their intention to seek the Liberal nomination.