Throughout her 10 years as Elgin-Middlesex-London MP, she focussd the spotlight on her constituents.
This past Sunday, it was PC MP Karen Vecchio who was the centre of attention.
Last July, Vecchio announced in the myFM studio that she would not seek re-election in the next federal vote.
And so in front of a large gathering at the CASO station, speaker after speaker paid tribute to Vecchio at a retirement party to honour her more than 20-year association with federal politics.
Her career in politics began in 2004 in then-MP Joe Preston’s office and so it was fitting that the Mayor of St. Thomas was the first to pay tribute to Vecchio.
Preston concluded, “So, from deep in my heart, the advice that Karen has given me in my life will last the rest of mine. And I certainly hope that she’ll also say the same. Thanks, Karen. Love you. Thank you.”
One of the attributes that Elgin-Middlesex-London PC MPP Rob Flack most admires in Vecchio is that she is ecumenical.
Flack wrapped up his remarks with, “She’s a strong person, whether it’s her family, her commitments to her community, she shows her strength, especially in the last number of months, and these strengths will continue to serve her well in the months and years ahead.”
Former MPP Steve Peters pointed out that Vecchio carried on a long-standing tradition in the riding.
Peters joked that perhaps a few of the individuals present on Sunday should write a book and title it, Tales From Elgin.
Elgin County Warden Grant Jones has many fond memories of Vecchio, going back all the way to perhaps the age of five or six – quote – “Pushing her little buggy across the laneway with her dolls. You never saw her coming, but you definitely could hear her.”
A surprise guest at the celebration was former Conservative Party of Canada leader Erin O’Toole.
He observed, Karen got into politics for all the right reasons.
O’Toole added, “Because we’re all happy after dedicating so much time to public life. She deserves some time and some rest by herself.”
That brought Karen’s husband Mike to the podium.
And, he agreed that it was time for Karen to come home.
He continued, “But now, after 3,423 days serving her constituents, it’s time for Karen to step away from politics and embrace the next chapter of her life. Whatever that might be.”
And then there was Karen. With a timely message in light of the new threats facing this country.
Written by Ian McCallum
