Markham Mayor Scarpitti won't completely rule out a run at federal politics

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 31, 2017
By Tim Kelly

He isn't saying yes and he isn't saying no, but Frank Scarpitti could have another political job by the end of this year.

That's if the longtime mayor of Markham decides to take the plunge into federal politics and run for the Liberals in Markham-Thornhill.

The riding will be subject to a byelection later this year after longtime Liberal MP and Cabinet Minister John McCallum announced his resignation to take on the job as Canada's new ambassador to China.

Scarpitti, who McCallum admitted Sunday could have had the Liberal nomination way back in 2000 had he decided he wanted it, was noncommittal on his plans when asked about them on Tuesday.

"At the moment, I want to stay here in Markham. I love what I do here," said the 28-year veteran of Markham municipal politics.

Scarpitti wouldn't rule out a run, only saying, "I'm not actively pursuing it. I would never say I would absolutely do nothing. If there's an opportunity to further the enhancement of this community, those are things I'd like to think about and consider," he said.

He said he has a passion for being mayor after having done the job since 2006.