The Ontario Conservatives are re-opening nominations in a number of ridings, including one here in the Hamilton area.
The party announced that the nomination for the Hamilton West – Ancaster – Dundas riding has been set aside as a result of a flawed process.
Ben Levitt was announced as the winner of that riding back in may of last year, but two other candidates alleged there was ballot stuffing and asked that the nomination be looked at.
Well they got their wish, and there will be a new nomination process.
Back in May David Sweet announced 25 year-old Ben Levitt as the Conservative nominee for the riding, but it wasn’t long after that other candidates, Vvikram Singh and Jeff Peller alleged it was “fixed.”
“There’s no question in my mind, that nomination was contaminated.” said Jeff Peller.
The party re-opened nominations in three ridings, and the party admitted to the flawed process in the Hamilton West- Ancaster- Dundas riding.
“I think it’s a wonderful move in the name of democracy.”
“I think the party has made a decision after reviewing nominations. Doug Ford wants to bring clarity to the party come the election June 7th.” said Vikram Singh.
Hamilton lawyer Vikram Singh plans to run again, and hasn’t lost faith in the process.
“I’m firmly committed to the city of Hamilton. I put my name in, and it would be an honour if that opportunity came again.”
Peller on the other hand, is undecided, but says something has to change.
“In my opinion the present riding association is at best contaminated, but that can be resolved if another riding association does the nomination.”
Regardless of whether he runs or not Peller thinks Doug Ford is the right person to lead the party.
“I really like Doug, He’s not a career pig at the trough politician which I think is the problem with all three parties.”
CHCH News reached out to Ben Levitt to get his reaction but he didn’t return our calls or Facebook messages.
There is an investigation underway about what happened in that nomination, but Hamilton Police don’t expect to wrap up the case until likely after the June 7th election.
