Wayne Thomson
Wayne Thomson | |
|---|---|
| 20th Mayor of Niagara Falls | |
| In office 1978–1983 | |
| Preceded by | George Bukator |
| Succeeded by | Bill Smeaton |
| In office 1991 – November 30, 2003 | |
| Preceded by | Bill Smeaton |
| Succeeded by | Ted Salci |
| Personal details | |
| Political party | Independent |
| Residence(s) | Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada |
| Occupation | Politician |
Wayne Thomson is a Canadian politician who served as the mayor of Niagara Falls from 1978 to 1983 and from 1991 to 2003.[1][2]
In 1983, Thomson resigned as mayor amid controversy over a vacation given as a gift by a Toronto development firm, and a land purchase made by his then-fiancé Bonnie Dickson. His fiancé bought some land in Niagara Falls from a seller who did not want it to be sold to Marineland. Seven months later, she sold the plot to Marineland. Marineland owner John Holer stated she acted as trustee and was accompanied by Thomson when the arrangements were made.[3]
On September 1, 1998, Thomson was attacked in his office by Joe Pietrangelo, a former city worker who was meeting with Thomson to discuss the city's decision to rezone his family property.[4] Pietrangelo drew a metal cane and struck Thomson repeatedly before his assistant was able to intervene.[5] Thomson was left hospitalized and required surgery.[6] Pietrangelo was convicted of attempted murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison.[7] However, in 2008, he was found not criminally responsible due to a mental disorder.[4]
Thomson was defeated by Ted Salci in the 2003 municipal election.[8] He subsequently ran and won re-election to Niagara Falls City Council as a councillor in the 2010 municipal election.[2] He stepped down in September 2024.[9]
In October 2024, the city of Niagara Falls awarded Thompson the Key to the City.[2]
References
- ^ "Prostitution Law Praised", The Calgary Herald, June 9, 1982, p. A12, retrieved 2011-07-27
- ^ a b c Goldberg, Jay (October 15, 2024). "Niagara Falls gives Thomson keys to the city". The Niagara Independent. Niagara Falls, Ontario. Archived from the original on December 3, 2024. Retrieved December 2, 2024.
- ^ "Mayor's resignation puts a stop to probes of land deal, free trip". Toronto Star. December 21, 1983. p. C10.
- ^ a b "Attacker of former Falls mayor dies". NiagaraThisWeek.com. Fort Erie Times. November 18, 2013. Archived from the original on December 4, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
- ^ Gillis, Charlie (September 9, 1999). "Niagara Falls mayor didn't fear beating, he feared for his life: Accused irate over zoning". National Post. Don Mills, Ontario. p. A9. ProQuest 329605307
- ^ "Man gets 25 years for beating mayor with pipe". The Sudbury Star. Sudbury, Ontario. March 4, 2000. ProQuest 348724285
- ^ Makin, Kirk (March 4, 2000). "Beating of Niagara Falls mayor earns man 25 years in jail". The Globe and Mail. Welland, Ontario. Archived from the original on December 4, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024.(subscription required)
- ^ McCarten, James (November 11, 2003). "Across Ontario, tides of change". The Kingston Whig-Standard. Kingston, Ontario. p. 8. ProQuest 352807690
- ^ Spiteri, Ray (September 10, 2024). "Wayne Thomson 'bled Niagara Falls': Longtime politician steps down from city council". Niagara Falls Review. Niagara Falls, Ontario. Archived from the original on September 23, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024.(subscription required)