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Bryan Hayes considers running for federal Conservatives

Ward 3 Councillor Bryan Hayes is considering seeking the Conservative Party's nomination to run in the next federal election. Hayes says the idea's been in the back of his mind for several years but now he's seriously considering it.
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Ward 3 Councillor Bryan Hayes is considering seeking the Conservative Party's nomination to run in the next federal election.

Hayes says the idea's been in the back of his mind for several years but now he's seriously considering it.

"It's a balancing act and it's really contingent on a number of factors," Hayes tells SooToday.com. "I won't be filing any papers for the next few months. I'll be taking that time to think about it."

If Hayes decides not to seek the Tory nomination, he will then be seeking re-election by the constituents of Ward 3, which he has represented on City Council for the past seven years.

One of the primary factors that Hayes says will affect his decision to either seek the federal nomination or to run as Ward 3 incumbent is Mayor John Rowswell.

Back in February of this year, Rowswell said he would not be running again as mayor but would seek the local Conservative nomination instead.

Rowswell has not publicly confirmed that intent recently but Hayes says he would not run against Rowswell for the Conservative nomination.

Hayes says he's also heard rumours that some other people he would consider outstanding candidates may step forward if Rowswell decides against going for it.

Hayes would think hard about seeking the nomination against Dr. David Walde or Ted Nolan and he says he's watching for official confirmation of those and other rumoured candidate hopefuls.

Another factor Hayes is considering is the welfare of his home ward.

"I wouldn't want to step aside unless I saw some clearly qualified candidates step forward to run," he said.

He's also concerned that issues he's championed to City Council may get dropped if he's not there to follow up on them.

Issues like those being dealt with by the Youth Crime Committee and his recent initiative to create a shared-services model with the local YMCA.

"City Council is still my first priority," Hayes said today. "I have not set a deadline for myself to make this decision. I will be considering all factors and playing it by ear."

Another factor in Hayes' decision will be finances.

As an employee of Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, he would have to take a leave of absence during any campaign to represent the Sault in the House of Commons.

"I want to do what's right for Sault Ste. Marie, myself and my family," he said. "I feel I can make a difference at whatever level of politics I am serving."

Hayes said he believes there are great opportunities for him to effectively serve the needs of Saultites, either as a Ward 3 councillor or as an MP, but they would be distinctly different roles.

"I tend to take a broader approach to federal politics and believe that doing good things for my country will have a positive impact for Sault Ste. Marie," he said. "Either way, I will do my best to bring positive qualities to the table."


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