Hudak makes it official

If the tone of the conversation surrounding Tim Hudak was considered harsh at Queen’s Park — it wasn’t a whole lot better in his home riding of Niagara West-Glanbrook. Although nearly every person we spoke to was a Conservative supporter — not all of them were sad to see the end, of the Hudak era.

This is the heart of a riding that covers more than a thousand square kilometres; and today, that heart is broken.

“I’m kinda feel a little bit upset because, I think he shoulda won the election.”

But even in his staunchly Conservative home riding, it’s clear that Tim Hudak is a polarizing figure.

“I kind of think it’s wonderful. It’s long past time when he should have stepped down.”

“I personally like Tim Hudak. I like the party, the Conservative Party. But, if he’s all done being the leader — time to find a new one.”

That sharp divide was apparent in his caucus as well, and spilled out in public at Queen’s Park — something that didn’t sit well with party supporters.

“No. If, you’re going to be part of that party, then you should support who was the leader before.”

John Demik is the president of the Niagara West – Glanbrook riding association: “Well there’s a whole lot of Monday morning quarterbacking going on, now isn’t there? So there are certain people who aren’t happy with an election loss — I think that’s understandable.”

Still, there are some who believe that even the public censure of the former party leader, is not an adequately harsh rebuke for Tim Hudak.

“I wish he would just leave the city, but I’m gonna get in a lot of trouble for that.”

Not everyone of course feels that way. According to riding president John Demik, there are over 300 members of the riding association and some have them have been with Hudak for more than 15 years. You don’t get that kind of support and loyalty, he says, unless you have the ability to lead.