Premier Doug Ford’s ties to lobbyists have “alarmed” a Progressive Conservative riding association president, according to an internal party email obtained by the Star.

In a letter to Ford, Tory executive director Mike Crase and other PC officials, Lillo Ognibene complained about the premier’s appointment of a dozen lobbyists to his 17-member re-election committee.

“These series of decisions represent a continued undermining of the democratic integrity of our Ontario PC Party,” Ognibene, who is president of the Cambridge riding association, wrote last week.

“It leaves grassroots party members, and their representative boards, with a shrinking voice, and without any legitimate means to enable accountable representation,” he continued.

“We are alarmed at these decisions and the impact they will have on our party as we move closer to the next election. We trust that you will consider these matters with the level of seriousness that they deserve.”

In an email, the party defended the committee, noting it “is comprised of long-time party volunteers from across the province.”

“They represent among the best political minds in Ontario. The committee is solely focused on providing advice to our leader leading up to the next election,” said Marcus Mattinson, the Tories’ director of communications.

“There are no government staff or officials on the committee, as the expressed purpose of the committee is to focus on election preparedness,” said Mattinson.

“It’s also worth noting that many members of the committee are either current or former party executive members who were chosen by the members of our party.”

In February, the Star disclosed that the Conservatives had enlisted lobbyists to sell tickets to Ford’s $1,250-a-ticket dinner at the Toronto Congress Centre.

That revelation led the premier to ban the media from covering the event, which was attended by 3,200 supporters and brought in a Canadian-record $4 million to party coffers.

Ognibene said the association has “concerns about the ongoing positioning of lobbyists within the senior ranks of our party, their access to government, and the perpetual conflict of interest this creates.”

“A recent media report in the Globe and Mail described the increasing influence that lobbyists continue to have on our party and the government,” he said, referring to a lengthy newspaper story last month on Ford’s deep connections to two lobbying firms.

Read more:

Ford government working with lobbyists to promote corner store beer and wine

Lobbyists selling tickets for Ford’s $1,250-a-plate fundraiser

Doug Ford severs ties with Dean French after cronyism scandal

“In light of these details, we find it alarming that the composition of the (re-election team) is dominated by individuals who are either registered lobbyists, or who own or are employed at firms that focus on lobbying.”

The Cambridge association — in the riding held by Tory MPP Belinda Karahalios — is critical of the fact that PC president Brian Patterson and vice-president Chris Loreto are on the campaign, charging that’s “inappropriate.”

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

“Mr. Patterson and Mr. Loreto are each currently serving two-year terms as president and first vice-president of our party, respectively, as a result of an illegitimate election that inexplicably has been accepted by party staff.”

In that contest, Patterson narrowly defeated Jim Karahalios, husband of the Cambridge MPP.

Ognibene did not return an email seeking comment.

Earlier this month, Ford defended the role of lobbyists on his campaign.

“Let’s be clear: No one can buy Doug Ford. It’s simple. No one can influence me. The only people that influence me are all the people standing out there. The people: that’s who influences me,” he said.

“We have a large re-election team right across this province.”

On Monday, Ford was asked about the cronyism scandal that has roiled his government and led to him parting ways with his chief of staff Dean French.

The top aide resigned June 21 after the premier revoked six-figure patronage appointments to a cousin of French’s wife and a 26-year-old lacrosse pal of French’s son.

In the wake of the “French connection” patronage controversy, seven Tory appointees have left their posts.

“Dean’s a great guy, a class act,” Ford told CFRA’s Bill Carroll in Ottawa.

“He’ll land on his feet ... I wish him all the best.”

The Star has previously reported that the premier has assured staff and cabinet ministers that he no longer is in contact with French, an Etobicoke insurance broker and longtime pal.

Robert Benzie is the Star’s Queen’s Park bureau chief and a reporter covering Ontario politics. Follow him on Twitter: @robertbenzie

Read more about: