Craitor announces run for mayor
Kim Craitor confirmed longstanding speculation Wednesday, announcing he’s running for mayor in the Oct. 22 municipal election.
The veteran city councillor and former MPP’s entry makes it a four-way race now for the top job at Niagara Falls city hall.
Incumbent Jim Diodati — he announced earlier this week he is battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma — and political newcomers Kip Finn and Dinah Lilia Mansour are also running.
“Hopefully, my commitment to the residents of Niagara Falls is well known,” Craitor said in a message posted on his Facebook page.
“I have served 17 years as a city councillor and was the MPP for the Niagara Falls riding for 10 years. I have contemplated running (for mayor) before but now seemed like the appropriate time.”
He added his decision to run was not affected by Diodati’s announcement.
“I wish Jim nothing but well wishes and a speedy recovery,” Craitor wrote. “I finalized my decision earlier this month and have been getting matters in order to file my nomination papers.”
Craitor did not respond Wednesday to interview requests from The Review.
In his Facebook page post, he addressed his abrupt resignation
as a Liberal MPP in 2013. He cited exhaustion at the time, but later was accused of bullying and sexual harassment during his time as MPP by a former staff member.
He denies the accusations, and wrote Wednesday that as an MPP “I was less interested in party politics and toeing party lines. I believe that made me a bit of a target.”
He said: “If I felt that I had done something truly wrong, I certainly wouldn’t continue in public life.”
Former Liberal premier Kathleen Wynne has said she asked Craitor to resign after a thirdparty investigation of the complaints against him.
In announcing his run for mayor, Craitor wrote “city hall needs to be more responsive and respectful.”
Saying he can “bring about changes in an open, transparent and responsible manner,” he added, “I value public input and consultation and listen to all voices.”
Craitor, 71, had his own brush with cancer several years ago but said Wednesday he’s been given a clean bill of health.