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Julian Fantino to seek Ontario PC leadership?

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Fri, 2009-03-20 10:28

#1

robbie_dee

Julian Fantino to seek Ontario PC leadership?

[url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20090320.wtory20/BNSt... Clark, "PC family ties complicate Ontario leadership race," Globe and Mail, March 20, 2009[/url]

Quote:
Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino has called some Ontario Tory organizers to see if he would have support if he ran, Conservative insiders say.

Another federal minister, Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan, gauged support for his own leadership bid last week, but backed off after finding a candidacy from outside the Queen's Park caucus would get a cool response, according to several insiders.

Some Conservative organizers said they believe Commissioner Fantino has found the same reaction. But one Tory called by Commissioner Fantino said that in a contest that will be decided by a grassroots vote, rather than delegates, the commissioner could mount a candidacy based on recruiting new members who want a leader from outside the caucus and who like his law-and-order background.

I assume Fantino would have to resign/retire from the OPP before running, right?

Other contenders discussed in the article include federal Human Resources minister Diane Finley, and the widely expected campaigns by Tim Hudak and Christine Elliot.

Fri, 2009-03-20 10:41

#2

Lard Tunderin Jeezus Lard Tunderin Jeezus's picture

Lard Tunderin Jeezus's picture

robbie_dee wrote:

I assume Fantino would have to resign/retire from the OPP before running, right?

Well, that's a silver lining, if it's true.

I say let the evil fascist fucker run. I wanna see, once and for all: what is the appetite for brown shirts and jackboots in this province?

Fri, 2009-03-20 11:12

#3

M. Spector M. Spector's picture

M. Spector's picture

Um, I'm not sure if I do.

Fri, 2009-03-20 11:48

#4

robbie_dee

Generally speaking, I am not sure how comfortable I am with someone going straight from top cop into political leadership.

But on policy issues, is he any further right than the other leading contenders?

Also, I have a feeling that picking Fantino could be a repeat of some of the same mistakes the PCs made with John Tory. Fantino has no seat, so he'd have to find one. The most likely places for him would be Toronto or London, but his party doesn't hold many seats in either location right now.

Fantino also has no prior elected experience. On paper, John Tory looked great but in practice, his political "instincts" and ability to actually connect with voters proved, shall we say, lacking. On what basis can the PCs conclude that Fantino would be any different?

Fri, 2009-03-20 11:59

#5

Maysie

Maysie's picture

Fantino's name is well known/remembered in both Toronto and London when he was top cop in both cities. Also, as the current head of the OPP, he gets a lot of press. Plus the recent scandal. I don't think people always remember the "bad" things, especially with right wing politicians/persons in the news, just the names. And name-recognition counts.

If he were to run, and win, the PC leadership in Ontario? And run against Dalton in the next provincial election? I shudder to imagine the consequences.

An-dre-a! An-dre-a!

P.S. I'm in Smitherman's riding, so I'm no good to anyone. Run! Save yourselves!

Fri, 2009-03-20 12:05

#6

robbie_dee

What's the recent scandal?

Fri, 2009-03-20 12:06

#7

Maysie

Maysie's picture

The Shawn Brant wiretap threats.

July 2008: http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2008/07/21/fantino-ndp.html

Fri, 2009-03-20 12:16

#8

Lard Tunderin Jeezus Lard Tunderin Jeezus's picture

Lard Tunderin Jeezus's picture

Even more recently...

Fri, 2009-03-20 12:18

#9

Maysie

Maysie's picture

Damn! I hate it when I'm not up-to-date on Fantino's most recent fucked-uppery. Thanks LTJ.

Fri, 2009-03-20 13:53

Farmpunk

Fantino would make a strong candidate around London. Far enough away from the center of his TO scandals. And London loves its cops. He'd have the support of most of the current town council. Far from an endorsement in my estimation, but this isn't about what I think.

Fri, 2009-03-20 14:01

Stockholm

I think that he will very quickly conclude that support for his candidacy is almost non-existent and that he would have zero chance against high-pwered candidates with seats in the leg. like Hudak and Elliott. If he ran, he'd have to quit as head of the OPP - and then after he lost the leadership - what does he do with the rest of his career?

Fri, 2009-03-20 15:12

Star Spangled C...

I'm with you on that, Stockholm. I think his chances are very slim. After the John Tory debacle, the last thing they want is anotehr leader from outside the legislature. That's likely why Van Loan took a pass and why I'm sure Finley will too and same for Fantino. It's very long odds against a high cost. There's no way that he can stay on as OPP chief while running for office so he'd be left with nothing.

Fri, 2009-03-20 15:34

robbie_dee

I can't speak for the level of support Fantino may find he has (or doesn't have) among the PC membership. But as for the question of "what does he do with the rest of his career," the guy is 67 years old. If he really does want to be Premier, this is his one and only shot. I imagine that at this point if he were to run and lose, he would retire and write another [url=http://www.amazon.ca/Duty-Life-Cop-Jerry-Amernic/dp/1554701171/ref=sr_1_... or something of the like.

I think the real issues for him will be (1) is there enough support out there that he doesn't embarass himself? And related to that, (2) can he raise the amount of money he'll need to be a serious candidate?

Fri, 2009-03-20 15:42

Stockholm

No and No

Fri, 2009-03-20 15:57

aka Mycroft

If he ran he'd have to resign as OPP Commissioner. There's no way he could take a "leave of absence" and then resume his old job if is beaten at convention.

If he does win he wouldn't have to worry about a seat. He could just organize a march on Toronto from Orillia and seize power. (click link)

Fri, 2009-03-20 17:58

triciamarie

Well, he better not be looking to get elected in Haldimand, that's for sure. Those folks are some pissed at him.

Fri, 2009-03-20 21:38

Doug

The preferred right-wing candidate this time (having the Mike Harris Seal of Approval) seems to be Tim Hudak, so I'm not sure where Fantino fits in. For that reason he'll probably hold off.

Fri, 2009-03-20 22:33

RevolutionPlease RevolutionPlease's picture

RevolutionPlease's picture

Maysie wrote:
Damn! I hate it when I'm not up-to-date on Fantino's most recent fucked-uppery. Thanks LTJ.

Who could keep up beyond what they print for the masses.

Fri, 2009-03-20 23:18

adma

robbie_dee wrote:

I can't speak for the level of support Fantino may find he has (or doesn't have) among the PC membership. But as for the question of "what does he do with the rest of his career," the guy is 67 years old.

And that's probably the clincher. I suppose most of the "draft Fantino" types have forgotten that, well, he ain't as young as he was...

Sat, 2009-03-21 00:16

RevolutionPlease RevolutionPlease's picture

RevolutionPlease's picture

The very word "Fantino" makes me gag in my mouth. He's delusional again with grandiose of power. What would make an OPP'er think liike that?

Sat, 2009-03-21 00:39

saga

saga's picture

I was trying to find an account of the actual interchange between Fantino and the Judge, where Fantino got mad and the Judge shut him down. Can't find it exactly ...

Fantino's accused of maliciously transferring an OPP officer, who has taken him to court over it. Good for him!

The Judge caught Fantino fudging his story and Fantino tried to intimidate the judge. After responding snidely a couple of times when the judge demanded clarification of his two different stories, the judge nailed him and Fantino had to suck.it.up and say "Yes sir", not what he's used to. It was priceless! (written online even)

The next day, Fantino stopped the hearing to try to get the Judge removed. Now, after delaying the court for months with that, it looks like Fantino will have to continue testifying before the same judge, Montgomery.

Good!!

In November, Fantino's prosecutor at the disciplinary hearing asked Montgomery to step down.

In doing so, Brian Gover also said he would take the matter to court if the retired justice did not do so, and insisted the province's attorney general supported him.

An angry Montgomery refused to step aside, calling Gover's comments a "highly improper" attempt to intimidate a judicial officer.

The Divisional Court said Montgomery's reaction was "reasonable."

The panel also rejected Curry's assertions the adjudicator had shown hostility to the prosecution on several occasions, including once when Montgomery said he was "upset" after Fantino changed an answer he had given earlier.

The court called Fantino's response "gratuitous."

No wonder Fantino's looking for an excuse to step down from the OPP ... cos he may not have a choice!

It was very clear that Fantino transferred the officer maliciously and was lying to the judge.

Now he has to pick up at that point in the hearing.

hahaha ... This will be good!

For some reason ... I am eerily reminded of the Senate hearings (lat night tv rocks!) where former RCMP Commissioner Zacardelli was exposed as a liar.

It too was chilling, watching him change his story pretending he wasn't.

The audience of RCMP officers guffawed, and his 2nd in command, in frustration, said "That's what he does all the time! He doesn't tell the truth!"

Fantino is just as chilling, imo.

And I agree that maybe the pc leadership campaign will get him out of the OPP.

Sat, 2009-03-21 00:42

saga

saga's picture

sshhhh ... we hope it's because he wants a 'gracious' way out of the opp ... and he'll lose ... and maybe disappear overseas to with Zacardelli.

Sat, 2009-03-21 00:46

RevolutionPlease RevolutionPlease's picture

RevolutionPlease's picture

Just to be replaced by next backward-walking tasering thug. Meh.

Sat, 2009-03-21 11:58

Tommy_Paine

LTJ:

"Well, that's a silver lining, if it's true.

I say let the evil fascist fucker run. I wanna see, once and for all: what is the appetite for brown shirts and jackboots in this province?"

M. Spector:

"Um, I'm not sure if I do."

That about sums up the debate in my mind. If Fantino steps down from the OPP to run, and loses, would he actually just dry up and blow away? I'm not sure. He keeps popping up in Ontario politics like some vampire from B movies from the 30's and 40's.

Fantino might start consulting his files and notes, in J. Edgar Hoover fashion to see what support he can garner from closet cross dressers in the tory party he has pictures of, the financial backers who's wives were let off from shop lifting charges, and those caught in john stings.

Never count a bottom feeder out.

On the other hand a Fantino leadership would certainly go a long way in bringing together estranged allies on the left in this province, and polarizing the electorate.

Sat, 2009-03-21 12:30

Stockholm

There is a letter to the editor in today's Globe from Fantino stated unambiguously that he has no plans whatsoever to run for the PC leadership and that he will remain head of the OPP.

So much for that.

Sat, 2009-03-21 12:32

triciamarie

Well anyway, there's no word on Fantino on CP today. They are calling Hudak the front-runner (Mr. Deb Hutton, backed by Mike Harris and Tom Long of the Common Sense Revolution, 41), with Christine Elliott (52, Mrs. Jim Flaherty) also expected to bid.

From the Star:

Quote:
Flaherty also wields tremendous influence among Conservatives who rely on federal contracts for their livelihood. Few lobbyists or consultants want to risk getting on his bad side as long as the Tories are in power in Ottawa.

"That could be very bad for business," said one Conservative operative who has not yet committed to a candidate and admitted the pressure is intense to endorse Elliott.

Quote:
While other MPPs have mused about running, the only other candidate known to be active is Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington MPP Randy Hillier, 50, former leader of the radical rural group, the Ontario Landowners Association.

So in the battle of the blue machines, it looks like the cops are out of it at this stage.

http://www.thestar.com/News/Ontario/article/604018

Sat, 2009-03-21 13:19

robbie_dee

[url=http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/LAC.20090321.COLETTS21-12/T...'s letter[/url]

Quote:

Your article PC Family Ties Complicate Ontario Leadership Race (March 20) indicated that I might be interested in the leadership of Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party. For the record, my current absolute focus remains fulfilling my duties and mandate as commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police and my responsibilities toward the good men and women of our service and the people of Ontario.

In short, I am not considering any future career at this time.

Commissioner, Ontario Provincial Police

Note the letter states his "current" focus is on the responsibilities of his job with the OPP and therefore he is not "considering" a run for the leadership "at this time."

Its a little-less [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shermanesque_statement]"Shermanesque"[/url] than saying he would [b]not[/b] run, would decline the nomination if offered, etc. Sounds to me more like he wants someone to "draft" him. It remains to be seen whether or not such a plea will be forthcoming, of course.

Sat, 2009-03-21 14:27

Boom Boom

Boom Boom's picture

Fantino as Ontario PC leader - good grief! (although I doubt Peter Van Loan would be any better)

Sat, 2009-03-21 15:19

aka Mycroft

It is a bit of a non-denial denial but I wouldn't be surprised if the Minister of Public Safety (or whatever the Solicitor-General is called these days) didn't get on the phone with Fantino yesterday and tell him to either announce he's quitting the OPP or announce he's not running.

The Tories' problem is Tim Hudak is unelectable and they know it while Randy Hillier is not only unelectable but a complete nutter. Rumours of some sort of trumped up Bonaparte riding in on a stallion to save the party is a sign of desperation in the Albany Club.

Sat, 2009-03-21 18:19

Doug

The Tories might just decide they'd rather feel ideologically comfortable than be elected. I think we can probably understand the feeling from the other side of the spectrum.

Sat, 2009-03-21 20:00

adma

aka Mycroft wrote:

The Tories' problem is Tim Hudak is unelectable and they know it

Sorry to fuel flames and fright, but...is he? Harrisian allegiances aside, Hudak always struck me as someone with a touch of Gen XYZ savvy in his political method...he might, in the end, turn out to be less unelectable (or at least, less divisive within his own party) than John Tory.

And if not Hudak, who do they have who is so-called "electable" without sparking internal dissension?

Sat, 2009-03-21 20:13

Bookish Agrarian

Hudak is an attack dog, not a leader. He will come off as way too negative for the demographics the Cons need to appeal to in order to move to the other side of the Leg. It would take a lot of sweaters to make Hudak seem likable and Ontarians just don't pay that much attention to provincial politics to be able to do it. It would only take one sarcastic remark at the wrong time to sink the boat.

I've always thought it strange, in a good way, how different provincail politics are viewed in other provinces other than Ontario. Watching local news you get some sort of provincial story most nights in other places, but in Ontario we hardly ever get a story unless it is something like the flag stuff this week. Ontarians are not well served by our media outlets.

Sat, 2009-03-21 22:12

Farmpunk

Agreed. There is very little scrutiny of provincial politicians in the hinterland. Not sure about GTA. Municipal political coverage is really awful.

Sun, 2009-03-22 13:39

adma

Bookish Agrarian wrote:

Hudak is an attack dog, not a leader. He will come off as way too negative for the demographics the Cons need to appeal to in order to move to the other side of the Leg. It would take a lot of sweaters to make Hudak seem likable and Ontarians just don't pay that much attention to provincial politics to be able to do it. It would only take one sarcastic remark at the wrong time to sink the boat.

In which case, his demerits stand as something of a polar opposite to John Tory's. Still, he strikes me as having an odd, "contemporary" credibility as a party leader, as opposed to a government leader--maybe Hudak is more of a necessary midway stage t/w a future Tory premier, than a future Tory premier in his own right.

Now, if Hudak underpolls Horwath, then the Tories are in trouble.

Mon, 2009-03-23 19:25

adma

One other name I've seen tossed around is John Yakabuski--any observations on him?

From what little I know, I can picture him as a Stelmach-ian dark horse coming up the middle...

Tue, 2009-03-24 08:37

robbie_dee

[url=http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/607182]PC Leader, or Vaughan Mayor?[/url]

So says the Toronto Star:

Quote:

It appears the stage is being set in Vaughan for a mayoral run next year by outgoing Ontario Provincial Police commissioner Julian Fantino.

For months, rumours have been swirling in the politically volatile city that the former Toronto police chief is exploring the idea of running for Linda Jackson's job in 2010.

Fantino, set to retire within a year, was not available for comment yesterday. A spokesperson said the commissioner is "not considering any future career at this time and remains committed to the Ontario Provincial Police."

However, a source familiar with Fantino's intentions told the Star Ontario's top cop has made it clear that if he runs he would present himself as a candidate ready to clean up Vaughan's image – a city beset by controversy – "like the sheriff riding into town."

Another source said Fantino hasn't decided yet, but he's likely considering post-retirement plans.

A third person said community business leaders are aware Fantino is "testing the waters" and the suggestion that he might run "is not idle gossip."

***

Last week, [Fantino] dismissed suggestions that he might be interested in the leadership of Ontario's Progressive Conservative Party, saying that for now his focus remains on "fulfilling my duties and mandate as commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police."

Tue, 2009-03-24 09:11

Stockholm

If Fantino wants to spend his twilight years worrying about filling potholes and garbage collection in Vaughan - I will breath a sigh of relief. There isn't much harm he can do at that level and I don't live in Vaughan.

Tue, 2009-03-24 13:48

Lard Tunderin Jeezus Lard Tunderin Jeezus's picture

Lard Tunderin Jeezus's picture

The recent history of clownish corruption and disfunction in Vaughan municipal politics is without parallel in the province.

Methinks Il Douche would be very comfortable wearing the crown of such a kingdumb.

Thu, 2009-03-26 01:07

aka Mycroft

Fantino's term as OPP Commissioner expires this October. It was supposed to end in March 2008 but the Liberals gave him an extension - I suspect because they didn't want to risk him running in the provincial election or face any backlash in Woodbridge for letting him go.

With all the controversy he's raised from the Shawn Brant trial blowing up in his face to his current troubles with a formal inquiry into disciplinary action he meted out against two OPP officers and his failed attempt to remove the adjudicator (who he hand picked in the first place) for bias against Fantino I don't think he has any chance of another extenstion. This is especially the case as the two men responsible for his becoming OPP Commissioner, Greg Sorbara and Monte Kwinter, are now backbenchers.

Thu, 2009-03-26 02:02

Fidel

Another 22% Generalissimo in Puerto Toronto?

Thu, 2009-03-26 04:47

saga

saga's picture

Stockholm wrote:
If Fantino wants to spend his twilight years worrying about filling potholes and garbage collection in Vaughan - I will breath a sigh of relief. There isn't much harm he can do at that level and I don't live in Vaughan.

ditto