The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party is trying to convince a gregarious highway patroller to quit chasing drunk drivers and unsafe cars in favour of pursuing voters in the next election.
Sgt. Cam Woolley has been approached by the Conservative MPP Frank Klees to become a candidate in the next election, the Toronto Star reported Tuesday.
"I've had some discussions with Cam," Klees told the Star, adding that the popular OPP officer is "a great communicator" who would "serve the constituency well."
Woolley, who is best known for his colourful stories of bad drivers and dilapidated cars pulled from highways during long weekend safety blitzes, told the newspaper that he is "considering" all his options.
It is not clear what riding would be open for Woolley to run, but Klees is expected to run in Newmarket-Aurora which would leave his Richmond Hill seat vacant, the Star reported.
The Thornhill riding, currently held by Liberal Mario Racco, is also said to be a possibility for Woolley.
The election is set to take place on Oct. 4.
News of the Progressive Conservative Party's offer comes just days after OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino scaled back Woolley's public responsibilities during highway safety blitzes.
"There's nothing funny about unsafe motor vehicles or what people do out there to put the public in danger," Fantino said Thursday. It appeared to clip the wings of Woolley, who has been praised for his flamboyant style in highlighting people who break the rules of the road.
Woolley shrugged it off, saying he respects the commissioner and he welcomed Fantino's plan for constant enforcement of highway laws.
