Brampton’s Mayoral race has been gaining attention from media outlets across the province. The final verdict in what was expected to be a cake-walk for Mayor Linda Jeffrey will be cast on Monday.
Former leader of the Ontario PC Party Patrick Brown entered Brampton’s mayoral race on the final day of the nomination period after Premier Ford cancelled the Wynne government’s decision to allow the Chair of Peel Region to be voted on by residents. Since then, in the face of heavy criticism by Jeffrey supporters, Brown has campaigned hard with non-stop campaigning across the city, often late into the evenings.
On September 25th, Brampton Focus held a lively City Buidling Mayoral debate at the Rose Theater with over 550 residents in attendance. Patrick Brown, Bal Gosal, Linda Jeffrey and John Sprovieri were invited to discuss city issues.
The debate included a segment that allowed candidates to ask each other a specific question. Both Linda Jeffrey and John Sprovieri asked questions of Brown about his relationship with Premier Ford and the unproven allegations against him. Brown opted to share his vision for Brampton.
It has been a hard fought campaign on all sides. Jeffrey has the endorsement of a majority of the city’s MPs and MPPs. However, former Premier Bill Davis, who supported Jeffrey in the last election, has thrown his support this time to Patrick Brown. Brown also received an endorsement on Saturday night by long-time Liberal Gurbax Malhi.
Brown supporters are excited by his drive and passion. He has not slowed down since starting the campaign often with 20 meet and greets on a single day with various community groups. This drive they say is something they are looking forward to as the Mayor of Brampton.
Recent polling has Brown and Jeffrey in a close race. The latest poll by Mainstreet Reserach shows 43.9% support for Brown and only 39.3% for Jeffrey (plus or minus 4.29% margin of error 19 times out of 20). In the last election, Jeffrey won with 49% of the vote.
Voting is on Monday, October 22nd between 10am and 8pm at any poll location in your home ward. To vote, you must be a citizen with photo ID and proof or residence.
