News and Commentary by Niagara At Large publisher Doug Draper
Less than six months after we learned of the death of Peter Kormos, one of Niagara, Ontario’s and this province’s political icons, we are suddenly struk by the news that Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor is resigning from politics.
Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor, speaking out at a rally to save hospitals in south Niagara, a move that might not have won many brownie points with his own Liberal government. File photo by Doug Draper
Not that Kim Craitor, just a few days away from celebrating his 67th birthday, has taken the final exit, as Peter Kormos so unfortunately did when he was found dead at his Welland home late this past March. Kim is still very much in this world for himself and his family. But he has suddenly announced, this September 24th afternoon, that he is leaving public office just the same.
In a brief written statement, and I’ve been told that Craitor was not doing interviews this day as much as he has always been available for interviews in the past, he said that “while it is never a good time to leave, after ten very productive and rewarding years, now I need to put my health and family first.” One of Craitor’s close friends and helpers told NHL that when it comes down to it, Craitor has given it his all and feels physically and mentally burned out.
Craitor, and this is NAL publisher Doug Draper continuing this, also often demonstrated the principles and courage to put the interests of a Niagara Falls riding that included Fort Erie and Niagara-on-the-Lake first, even if those interests clashed with the Ontario Liberal (and you might very throw in, former Dalton McGuinty government) he was a part of.
Kim Craitor was one of those rare politicians in our country’s parliamentary democracy that had the guts to stand up for the constituents who voted him into office, before the coming back home and shoving the partisan rhetoric up their behinds. For that he took a lot of punishment, not only from his own party, but from the opposition Conservatives of Tim Hudak that has already picked a candidate – former Mike Harris MPP Bart Maves – to run against him.
Hudak’s Conservative Party pals have – no doubt with the blessing of Hudak himself – fired off numerous media releases slamming Craitor for being outside his Liberal Party’s fold to an extent he will never win anything for the people of his riding to blasting him for being a patsy when he agreed with his party. With a Hudak party, intent on getting Maves re-elected in Niagara Falls, there wasn’t anything Craitor could do that was right.
On the other hand, Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath showed some class today with the following statement; Queen’s Park – “Kim Craitor spent over 20 years in public life and I want to thank him and his family for the time, energy and effort he’s given over the decades. While we didn’t always agree, no one can question Kim Craitor’s dedication to his community and the people of Niagara Falls.
I want to extend my regards and the regards of my caucus to Kim Craitor as he resigns his seat and wish him the best in his future.”
Now that, for an opposition leader of the legislature, is showing some class. Now I want to include below the announcement from Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor’s office.
For Immediate Release: September 24th
Kim Craitor Retires
Two days after his 67th birthday and six days shy of his 10th Anniversary in office, Niagara Falls MPP Kim Craitor announced his retirement as the Niagara Falls Member of Provincial Parliament effective today, at 1pm.
On Monday the Niagara Falls MPP sent a letter to inform the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and the Premier of Ontario of his intent to resign today from the Legislative Assembly.
Craitor who served 3547 days in office and built a reputation as the ultimate retail politician who always put his constituents first, said: “While it is never a good time to leave, after ten very productive and rewarding years, now I need to put my health and family first.”
In a press release Craitor said, “The job of being the Provincial Member of Parliament has been an immensely satisfying job. I was extremely proud and particularly honoured to have been elected 3 times to represent the people of Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Niagara-on-the-Lake and in the first term the people in Thorold-South. I want to thank them very much for their support and encouragement over the years. Together we have done many great things. I also want to thank Premier Wynne, the people in the Premier’s office and the Liberal Party, both provincially and locally for helping me make things happen. I also want to mention and thank the support, hard work and loyalty of the staff I that have enjoyed over the last 10 years.”
While Craitor is no longer the MPP and will not be available at his offices, the Niagara Falls Provincial Riding Community office on Montrose Road will remain open, be properly staffed and continue to serve the needs the people of the Niagara Falls Riding until an election is held and a new member elected. Any person having difficulty accessing provincial government programs is requested to call 905-357-0681 Monday to Thursday 9-5 Friday 9-12 noon.
So there we go with this. Niagara At Large invites any of you who have the courage to share your first and last name to share your views on this post below.
Niagara At Large 
It is odd that I comment on my own post, but here I also meant to emphasize that Kim Craitor has been a rare maverick for the constituents in his riding, and has been that at some cost to his stature in his party, just as Peter Kormos, the now late NDP MPP in the Welland riding, was the same. – Doug Draper
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Sad to hear it tonight on the news. He is a compassionate man and did the best he could.
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Craitor was a people’s man who stood for what Liberals stand for. It is indeed rare to find a politician willing to receive flack from both the opposition and his own members at times. He will be sorely missed.
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I don’t make any effort to hide my dislike and mistrust of the Liberal party. But Kim Craitor is a man of honour and distinction. When I was working for MTO, I dealt with him on several occasions and he was always thoughtful, human and treated civil servants with respect. He was one of few MPPs who did so on a consistent basis, not just when it was to his benefit.
There is an old saying that I use to describe people like Kim Craitor — “he is a gentleman and a scholar.”
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Kim Craitor Is a rarity among politicians. He stood alongside his constituents even if it was at odds with the Premier. He will have the affection of all in Niagara Riding forever. I supported his two initiatives that should have been passed, Grandparents rights, to see their grand children and complete access to shorelines without hindrance from (property owners near the shore.),
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Mr. Craitor attended “Every” meeting held by people attempting to save the hospital in the Southern tier of Niagara and though, at times, I had misgiving about his selection of a political party, I and everyone fighting to save our hospitals in the sSouthern tier of Niagara Region owe him big time. Thank You Kimand may your future as private citizen be as rewarding as your past as a public figure
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This is a sad day for the residents of Niagara served so long and so well by Kim Craitor. He served with honesty, integrity and dedication, keeping the needs of his constituents ahead of party politics. Best wishes to you Kim–we will miss your unfailing interest and assistance.
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I am very sad to see Kim Craitor leave. He was one of the only honest politicians that I have ever met. He had no hidden agenda. Instead he was always there to help and support his constituents. Thank you Kim for everything. I wish you all the best in your future private life.
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