St. Andrews West, Ontario – Adrian Bugelli was elected as the new SDSG Progressive Conservative (PC) Association President at their AGM held on February 17th, 2024, at St. Andrew’s Parish Hall in St. Andrews West.
Bugelli, originally from Whitby, Ontario, brings a rich background in politics and community service to his new role. With Maltese heritage, he follows in the footsteps of his father, Joe Bugelli, who served as a local councillor in Whitby from 1978 until 1991. Adrian’s political journey began during the 1997 Federal Campaign, and since then, he has worked for four different Members of Parliament, both in government and opposition.
Speaking about his transition from the President of the Federal Conservative Electoral District Association (EDA) to the helm of the SDSG PC Association, Bugelli said, “I feel I bring a strong level of operational know-how and organizational structure, which I hope to share with the Provincial board as we are growing in membership and bringing in a new generation of local conservative supporters.” He expressed pride in his previous roles, particularly in managing Nolan Quinn’s local nomination campaign and leading the campaign team during the 2022 Provincial election.
As the new President, Bugelli’s top priorities include expanding the visibility of the local board, building the Ontario PC brand in SDSG, and providing support for MPP Nolan Quinn. He plans to make the Provincial Association more visible in the community, hosting events throughout the region to engage with members and the public. “I would like our members to see that there is value in being a member, not just during contests, but on a yearly basis by engaging with them through social events and hosting interesting speakers,” Bugelli stated.
Looking ahead to the upcoming provincial elections, Bugelli noted, “Support comes in the form of raising money, signing up new members, and providing manpower during the course of the year, as well as during a campaign period.” He foresees taking a leave of absence from his regular job during the next campaign to act as MPP Quinn’s campaign manager while other board members will coordinate volunteers, staff the campaign office, support campaign events, and put out lawn signs.
Reflecting on the relationship between the federal and provincial Conservative parties in the SDSG region, Bugelli noted the significant overlap in ideology and membership. He envisions the SDSG PC Association playing a pivotal role in maintaining the “Big Blue Machine,” a seamless movement of volunteers and campaign workers between federal and provincial campaigns, building on the past successes of MP Guy Lauzon and MPP Jim McDonell.
