Woolley Considers Run For Provincial Politics

OPP Sgt. Cam Woolley is thinking about leaving his seat in a cop cruiser for a seat in the provincial legislature.

The 29-year-veteran officer, known for his colourful media appearances on long weekend traffic blitzes, plans to retire from the force in a year and says he’s been approached by the provincial Conservatives to run in the next election.

Woolley admits that politics isn’t something he’s imagined doing in his life, but wonders if he could have a greater impact on public safety as an elected official.

“It is something I’m giving very strong consideration,” Woolley says, noting that he hasn’t had much time to ponder the possibility.

“I think this might be another opportunity to positively influence public safety. It’s very intriguing but it has to be carefully thought out.”

He claims he’s already familiar with the job. “It’s not that far of a jump for me. I’ve been 29 years a police officer but also 29 years in the Ontario government and … I’ve worked with good and bad and see what’s worked.”

Woolley turned 50 on Tuesday and says he’d have to discuss any major decisions like embarking on a new career with his family.

The gregarious sergeant won’t be as visible in upcoming long weekend traffic blitzes, after new OPP Commissioner Julian Fantino confirmed he’d be scrapping them. Fantino admits he has a problem with “humourous stories about those who compromise public safety.”

But he sends his best if a political turn is in the burly officer’s future. “I can only wish him well,” Fantino intones. “I mean if that’s what he wants to do, I would suspect that my best wishes go forward with him.”

John Tory is a lot more forthcoming. He’d loved to have such a high profile candidate on his team.

“There is no police officer, I don’t think, who has more experience and has proven himself to be someone knowledgeable about and prepared to fight, frankly, for safe highways and safe commuters than Cam Woolley.”

The Conservatives had reportedly been considering Fantino as a star candidate to run against Finance Minister Greg Sorbara in the riding of Vaughan-King-Aurora before he agreed to take the OPP gig.

Frank Klees, who’s in charge of the party’s election nominations and who worked with Woolley when he was transportation minister, says he’d be a great addition to the party.

“The man has a long history in front-line policing,” Klees said. “He has a very down-to-earth perspective on community safety issues. Equally as important is he has the respect of the man on the street. When Cam Woolley speaks, people listen.”

It’s unclear what riding Woolley might run in.

“Given Cam’s name recognition, there are many ridings that he would be a potential good fit for,” he said. “That’s something to be discussed down the road.”

The province heads to the polls on Oct. 4.

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