PRESS RELEASE
LANDON ELSEMERE PRESS
********************* Local author goes inside Sault Ste. Marie politics
The largest collection of interviews with local politicians ever conducted will be released today.
Local author Frank Tridico presents Inside Sault Ste. Marie Politics, 42 interviews spanning over 1.5 years of research with some of the most influential names in Sault Ste. Marie.
Tridico takes readers behind the scenes, and includes dialogue with formal interviews, capturing moments frozen in time.
Four of those he interviewed passed away during the book's unfolding.
"To me, it was a privilege to have interviewed all of these people," stated Tridico. "However, there is something special about being able to memorialize the words, ideas and values of those who passed away. I hope that through this book, their memory will live on."
The book includes the last interview ever conducted with former MP Carmen Provenzano, and the interview shortly before former Ward 5 candidate Pat Turco was killed in a highway traffic accident.
Tridico interviewed NDP Leader Jack Layton days before he helped bring down the federal government.
Also included in the book are former mayors Ron Irwin, Don MacGregor, Joe Fratesi, Michael Sanzosti and current mayor John Rowswell.
"The interviews are different than those presented in media," stated Tridico. "In some cases, I did a series of interviews with some taking up as much as 15-20 hours. I came to know many of them personally. Readers will see a different side to many of these politicians."
Tridico brings to print the internal battles within the last Council, including what went on behind the scenes on issues ranging from the Steelback Centre, the Truck Route, Searchmont, the Innovation Centre, the Economic Development Corp., Northern Breweries and the new Hospital.
He also gets the inside information on the Borealis Project from the developers' perspective.
The book also takes readers on the inside of the local federal election campaigns, focusing on the campaign managers, the televised debates, and the political battles between the camps.
Readers will find out why MP Tony Martin voted for same-sex marriage, Carmen Provenzano's comments on the background moves for him to be challenged by another locally, Ken Walker warning Tony Martin on euthanasia, Cameron Ross and Bud Wildman's views on politics, and others.
"Weaving together 42 interviews with so many different views was a challenge," stated Tridico. "But there is a common thread. There is a story to be told, and one that will hopefully take its place in Sault Ste. Marie history."
The book will be officially released on Saturday, December 23 from 9 a.m. -10 p.m. at the Cambrian Mall, central location.
Frank Tridico will be there for a book signing, along with many of those who were interviewed.
Upper Case Bookstore, 508 Queen Street East (254-5775) and Dunn's Authors, Wellington Square Mall (759-1447) will be carrying the book.
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