WAWA — Bill Rosenberg won his bid for a seat at the table in the Algoma-Manitoulin provincial election as the Progressive Conservative candidate.
Rosenberg's public service journey began in 2014 when he was elected to town council in Thessalon.
His swift ascent to deputy mayor and then mayor by 2018 highlighted his steadfast commitment to the welfare of the community and economic development.
During his campaign, Rosenberg prioritized such issues as economic growth, health-care access, and infrastructure improvements.
His stated aim is to create a nurturing environment for local businesses, acknowledging the hurdles they face and the importance of job creation.
Health care was a key focus of Rosenberg’s campaign. He promised to enhance access to essential health-care services, advocating for residents' rights to quality care. “Access to quality health care is a fundamental right, and I will work tirelessly to ensure our communities have the resources they need to thrive,” he previously stated.
Infrastructure improvements were also central to Rosenberg’s vision for Algoma-Manitoulin. He supports significant investments in regional connectivity, which he views as essential for economic success. He supports the PCs' plan to invest over $200 billion in infrastructure initiatives.
Rosenberg’s vision goes also includes community safety and education. His platform included initiatives aimed at supporting local schools and enhancing educational opportunities for students.
Michael Mantha’s defeat as an Independent candidate in the election marks a notable point in his political journey. Mantha struggled against well-established party candidates, lacking the support to mobilize effectively. While his message resonated with some voters, it ultimately couldn’t compete with the organized campaigns of his opponents.
In an unexpected development on the afternoon of election day, Mantha’s campaign office received notifications regarding an automated phone call campaign that falsely asserted Mantha’s non-participation and claimed that votes cast in his favour would be deemed invalid. He has reported the incident to Elections Ontario.
His loss highlights a trend in provincial politics favouring party affiliation over independents. Nonetheless, Mantha’s commitment to public service may lead to future opportunities for community engagement or political involvement.
As he prepares to take office, Rosenberg’s leadership may hold the promise of a brighter future for all residents of Algoma-Manitoulin.
Rosenberg garnered 11,263 votes, or about 41 per cent, in Thursday's election. New Democrat David Timeriski had 7,409 or 27 per cent, according to unofficial results posted by Elections Ontario.
Elliot Lake Today made numerous attempts to contact candidate Rosenberg; however, he was unavailable for comment.
