Campaigns for mayor in Whitby, Oshawa launching this week

Campaigns for mayor in Durham Region’s two biggest communities get underway this week, with Whitby Mayor Elizabeth Roy, surrounded by her supporters, launching her bid for re-election Wednesday.

“Four years ago, residents placed their trust in me to lead Whitby through a period of significant growth and change,” Roy said. “Together, we have delivered real results on the priorities that matter most to our community.”

Roy listed her accomplishments at the launch, citing a provincial commitment for a new hospital, the Fieldgate Sports Complex set to open in September, breaking ground on Fire Station 6, waterfront revitalization projects, new business investment and ticking off of most the 62 items on the community strategic plan.

“We have accomplished a great deal together, but our work is far from finished,” she said. “The decisions we make today will shape Whitby for generations to come.”

The campaign for mayor in Whitby should have plenty of fireworks, with the only other candidate registered for the election Roy’s bitter rival, Regional Councillor Chris Leahy.

Oshawa mayor candidate Tito-Dante Marimpietri

The leading candidate to replace retiring Mayor Dan Carter in Oshawa, Regional Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri, officially launches his campaign Friday at the Oshawa Italian Club following Canada’s World Cupo opener against Bosnia.

Marimpietri’s only opposition at this time is local councillor Jim Lee.