Local municipal politicians are speaking out about their relationship with former MPP Todd Smith.
On Friday, the provincial member for the Bay of Quinte riding, and Ontario’s Minister of Education, announced his resignation.
Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson says he was a fabulous provincial representative.
“Always there when needed. Whether it was sending him a text message, or requesting a phone call or requesting a meeting, he was always available and willing to participate and help further the interests of Prince Edward County.”
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(l-r) Former MPP Todd Smith, Prince Edward County Mayor Steve Ferguson and Prabmeet Sarkaria (Minister of Transportation) (Photo: Submitted)
Jim Harrison is the mayor of Quinte West and says Smith was a fantastic person to work with.
“Just like all the rest of us, he’s got a great partner Tawnya. A pleasure to work with him. He always listened and give me direction, or say I can do this or I can’t do that. He was a great guy to work with. I’m gonna miss him, gonna miss him.”
Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis worked with Smith as both a municipal and federal politician.
“I think we’re all going to miss Todd, he’s a very personable person, he knows how to get things done. Especially to have a Minister in your riding or in the city. You’ve got him sitting around the table with everyone else. He has a lot of influence.”
Premier Doug Ford also commented on Smith’s departure.“From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank Todd for his many years of service to our government, our province and our party. He leaves politics with a record that he can be incredibly proud of, including and especially fixing the previous government’s energy policies and bringing electricity prices down for hardworking families and businesses. Todd will always be a friend and I can’t wait to watch his every success as he starts this next chapter of his life.”
Smith will be a guest on the Lorne Brooker Show Monday at 9:00 a.m, where he is expected to make his first public comments following this past Friday’s resignation.
Mayor of Belleville Neil Ellis, Quinte West Fire Chief John Whalen, Quinte West West Mayor Jim Harrison, and former Bay of Quinte riding MPP Todd Smith. (Photo: Quinte News)
